Watford Dismiss Paulo Pezzolano Following 10 Games and Reappoint Former Boss as Manager
Watford Football Club have taken the decision to end their manager's tenure after just five months and 10 matches in control, confirming the reappointment of ex-manager the Spanish coach as his successor.
Reports suggest that the Uruguayan coach, appointed in the spring to replace Tom Cleverley, along with his technical staff, were instructed not to lead practice on Wednesday as speculation about his exit mounted on Tuesday.
Pezzolano was called to a meeting where he was named the 11th head coach the club have moved on since the start of the year 2020.
"The club is very pleased to welcome back Gracia," stated Watford's chairman and CEO. "His enthusiasm, guidance and well-defined plan will foster stability, togetherness and momentum.
"We are sure there are many supporters who hoped Gracia had stayed on in the past. With this talented squad, we are convinced his know-how and qualities are exactly what we require at this moment."
Gracia previously led the team to the FA Cup showpiece for the second time in the club's history in 2019, but was dismissed a few matches into the following campaign and last managed at Leeds in last year.
"For me, the emotion I have right now is that I'm going back home. It was the happiest time of my professional life," Gracia stated. "There are fond memories and we have loose ends at Watford. For us, it's a further important step in our career.
"It is a unique opportunity for us, and at the same time we are highly motivated for this campaign. If we are together, we are more powerful."
Pezzolano's sacking arrives despite the team's win against Oxford United at Vicarage Road on the weekend, which lifted them to 11th in the Championship after a difficult opening that yielded five points from the initial six matches.
Pezzolano is said to have departed disappointed by the call to sack him, having led the side to a three-match unbeaten run that also included a home win over Hull City and a draw at Portsmouth, placing them three points off the promotion playoffs.
The coach joined soon after the end of last season with a proven track record of leading clubs to advancement in La Liga, Brazil and his home country.
