The Hornets Part Ways With Their Manager After 10 Games and Reappoint Former Boss as Head Coach
The Championship side have taken the decision to terminate their manager's contract after only a brief period and 10 matches in charge, announcing the return of former boss Javi Gracia as his replacement.
Reports suggest that the Uruguayan coach, who was hired in the spring to replace Tom Cleverley, along with his backroom team, were instructed not to take practice on Wednesday as rumors about his exit mounted on the previous day.
The 40-year-old was summoned for a discussion where he was named the 11th manager the club have let go since the beginning of the year 2020.
"The club is delighted to welcome back Javi," said Watford's chairman and CEO. "His enthusiasm, guidance and clear strategy will foster stability, togetherness and momentum.
"We are sure there are many supporters who wished Gracia had never departed in the past. With this talented squad, we are convinced his know-how and qualities are exactly what we require now."
Gracia previously led Watford to the FA Cup final for the only other occasion in their history in that year, but was dismissed several games into the next season and last managed at Leeds United in last year.
"Personally, the feeling I have right now is that I'm returning home. It was the most enjoyable time of my professional life," Gracia remarked. "There are fond recollections and we have loose ends here. For us, it's a further significant move in our career.
"This 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 despite their victory against Oxford United at Vicarage Road on Saturday, which moved them to eleventh place in the second tier after a difficult opening that yielded a handful of points from the first six games.
Pezzolano is said to have departed disappointed by the decision to sack him, having guided the side to a undefeated streak of three games that featured a home win over Hull and a draw at Fratton Park, leaving them three points off the promotion playoffs.
The coach joined shortly after the conclusion of the previous campaign with a strong record of leading clubs to advancement in Spain, Brazil and his home country.
