The Hornets Part Ways With Their Manager Following a 10-Match Stint and Reappoint Javi Gracia as Head Coach
Watford Football Club have made the move to end their manager's contract after just a brief period and 10 matches in charge, confirming the return of former boss Javi Gracia as his replacement.
Reports suggest that Pezzolano, who was hired in the spring to take over from the interim manager, along with his backroom team, were instructed not to lead training on Wednesday as speculation about his exit mounted on Tuesday.
Pezzolano was called to a discussion where he became the 11th manager Watford have moved on since the beginning of the year 2020.
"The club is very pleased to reappoint Gracia," stated the club's chief executive. "His enthusiasm, guidance and well-defined plan will foster stability, togetherness and positive energy.
"We are sure many fans who wished Javi had stayed on in 2019. With this talented team, we are convinced his experience and qualities are exactly what we require now."
The returning manager previously led the team to the FA Cup final for the second time in their history in that year, but was dismissed several games into the next season and last managed at Leeds United in last year.
"For me, the emotion I have right now is that I'm returning home. It was the most enjoyable time of my career," Gracia stated. "I have very good recollections and we have loose ends here. For us, it's a further important step in our career.
"This is something special for us, and at the same time we are highly motivated for this season. If we are together, we are stronger."
The decision to remove Pezzolano comes despite the team's win against Oxford United at Vicarage Road on Saturday, which lifted them to eleventh place in the second tier after a difficult opening that earned a handful of points from the initial six matches.
The Uruguayan is said to have left dismayed by the decision to let him go, having led the side to a three-match unbeaten run that featured a home win over Hull and a tie at Portsmouth, leaving them three points off the promotion playoffs.
The coach arrived shortly after the conclusion of last season with a strong record of guiding teams to advancement in La Liga, Brazil and his home country.
