Watford Part Ways With Their Manager After 10 Games and Reappoint Former Boss as Head Coach
The Championship side have taken the move to terminate their manager's tenure after just a brief period and 10 matches in control, confirming the reappointment of ex-manager the Spanish coach as his replacement.
It is understood that the Uruguayan coach, who was hired in the spring to replace Tom Cleverley, along with his backroom team, were told not to take training on midweek as rumors about his imminent departure grew on Tuesday.
The 40-year-old was called to a discussion where he became the 11th manager Watford have let go since the start of the year 2020.
"We are very pleased to reappoint Javi," said the club's chief executive. "His passion, leadership and well-defined plan will foster stability, unity and positive energy.
"We are sure many fans who wished Javi had never departed in the past. With this talented team, we are convinced his experience and qualities are precisely what we require now."
Gracia guided the team to the FA Cup final for the only other occasion in the club's history in 2019, but was sacked a few matches into the next season and last managed at Leeds United in 2023.
"For me, the emotion I have right now is that I'm going back home. It was the happiest time of my career," Gracia remarked. "I have fond recollections and we have unfinished business at Watford. For us, it's another important step in our career.
"This is a unique opportunity for us, and at the same time we are very ambitious for this season. If we are united, we are more powerful."
Pezzolano's sacking comes even after their victory against Oxford at Vicarage Road on the weekend, which moved 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 reportedly departed disappointed by the decision to sack him, having guided the side to a undefeated streak of three games that featured a victory at home over Hull City and a tie at Fratton Park, placing them within touching distance off the playoff places.
Pezzolano arrived soon after the end of the previous campaign with a strong record of leading clubs to promotion in Spain, South America and Uruguay.