The Hornets Part Ways With Paulo Pezzolano Following 10 Games and Bring Back Former Boss as Head Coach
The Championship side have made the move to terminate Paulo Pezzolano's tenure after just five months and 10 matches in charge, confirming the return of ex-manager the Spanish coach as his successor.
It is understood that Pezzolano, appointed in May to take over from the interim manager, along with his technical staff, were instructed not to take training on midweek as speculation about his imminent departure 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 start of the year 2020.
"We are very pleased to reappoint Gracia," said Watford's chairman and CEO. "His enthusiasm, guidance and well-defined plan will help us build stability, unity and positive energy.
"We believe there are many supporters who wished Gracia had stayed on in the past. With this young and exciting squad, we are convinced his experience and attributes are precisely what we require at this moment."
Gracia previously led the team to the FA Cup showpiece for the only other occasion in the club's history in 2019, but was dismissed a few matches into the following campaign and last managed at Leeds in 2023.
"Personally, the feeling I have in this moment is that I'm returning home. It was the most enjoyable time of my professional life," Gracia stated. "I have fond memories and we have unfinished business here. For us, it's a further significant move in our journey.
"It is a unique opportunity for us, and at the same time we are highly motivated for this campaign. If we are united, we are more powerful."
Pezzolano's sacking arrives even after their victory against Oxford at Vicarage Road on Saturday, which moved them to eleventh place in the Championship after a difficult opening that yielded five points from the first six games.
Pezzolano is reportedly left disappointed by the decision to let him go, having guided Watford to a three-match unbeaten run that also included a victory at home over Hull City and a tie at Portsmouth, placing them within touching distance off the promotion playoffs.
Pezzolano arrived soon after the conclusion of last season with a strong record of guiding teams to advancement in La Liga, Brazil and his home country.
