Watford Part Ways With Paulo Pezzolano Following a 10-Match Stint and Bring Back Javi Gracia as Head Coach

Watford Football Club have taken the move to end Paulo Pezzolano's tenure after only five months and 10 matches in control, announcing the reappointment of former boss Javi Gracia as his successor.

It is understood that the Uruguayan coach, who was hired in May to take over from Tom Cleverley, along with his backroom team, were told not to take practice on midweek as rumors about his exit mounted on Tuesday.

The 40-year-old was called to a meeting where he was named the 11th manager Watford have moved on since the beginning of 2020.

"The club is delighted to welcome back Javi," said Watford's chairman and CEO. "His passion, guidance and well-defined plan will help us build consistency, togetherness and momentum.

"We are sure there are many supporters who wished Gracia had never departed in the past. With this talented team, we are convinced his experience and qualities are precisely what we require now."

Gracia previously led the team to the FA Cup showpiece for the only other occasion in the club's history in 2019, but was sacked a few matches into the following campaign and most recently coached at Leeds in 2023.

"For me, the emotion I have right now is that I'm going back home. It was the most enjoyable period of my professional life," Gracia stated. "There are fond recollections and we have unfinished business at Watford. For us, it's a further significant move in our career.

"It is a unique opportunity for us, and simultaneously we are very ambitious for this campaign. If we are together, we are stronger."

The decision to remove Pezzolano arrives despite their victory against Oxford at Vicarage Road on Saturday, which lifted them to 11th in the second tier after a slow start that yielded five points from the initial six matches.

The Uruguayan is reportedly left disappointed by the call to let him go, having led the side to a three-match unbeaten run that featured a victory at home over Hull City and a draw at Portsmouth, placing them within touching distance off the promotion playoffs.

The coach joined soon after the conclusion of last season with a proven track record of leading clubs to promotion in Spain, Brazil and his home country.