The Hornets Dismiss Paulo Pezzolano After a 10-Match Stint and Reappoint Former Boss as Manager
The Championship side have made the move to terminate their manager's tenure after only a brief period and 10 matches in charge, confirming the return of former boss the Spanish coach as his successor.
It is understood that Pezzolano, appointed in the spring to replace the interim manager, along with his technical staff, were instructed not to lead practice on Wednesday 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 the club have moved on since the beginning of the year 2020.
"We are delighted to reappoint Gracia," stated the club's chief executive. "His enthusiasm, leadership and clear strategy will foster consistency, unity and positive energy.
"We believe many fans who wished Gracia had stayed on in 2019. With this talented squad, we are certain his know-how and qualities are precisely what we need at this moment."
The returning manager guided the team to the FA Cup final for the only other occasion in the club's history in that year, but was sacked several games into the next season and most recently coached at Leeds in last year.
"Personally, the emotion I have right now is that I'm going back home. It was the happiest time of my professional life," he stated. "There are fond memories and we have unfinished business at Watford. For us, it's another significant move in our journey.
"This is a unique opportunity for us, and simultaneously we are very ambitious for this season. If we are united, we are stronger."
Pezzolano's sacking comes even after their victory against Oxford at their home ground on the weekend, which lifted them to eleventh place 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 guided Watford to a three-match unbeaten run that featured a home win over Hull and a tie at Portsmouth, placing them within touching distance off the promotion playoffs.
The coach joined soon after the conclusion of the previous campaign with a strong record of guiding clubs to advancement in La Liga, South America and his home country.
