Watford Dismiss Their Manager Following a 10-Match Stint and Reappoint Javi Gracia as Manager
The Championship side have made the decision to end their manager's tenure after just five months and 10 matches in charge, announcing the reappointment of ex-manager Javi Gracia as his successor.
Reports suggest that the Uruguayan coach, who was hired in May 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.
Pezzolano was called to a meeting where he became the 11th manager Watford have let go since the start of 2020.
"We are delighted to reappoint Javi," stated the club's chief executive. "His passion, guidance and clear strategy will foster consistency, unity and positive energy.
"We are sure many fans who hoped Javi had never departed in the past. With this talented squad, we are convinced his experience and attributes are precisely what we need at this moment."
Gracia guided the team to the FA Cup final for the second time in their history in that year, but was sacked several games into the next season and most recently coached at Leeds United in last year.
"Personally, the feeling I have in this moment is that I'm going back home. It was the most enjoyable period of my career," he stated. "There are fond recollections and we have loose ends at Watford. For us, it's a further significant move in our career.
"This is something special for us, and at the same time we are highly motivated for this season. If we are united, we are more powerful."
Pezzolano's sacking comes even after the team's victory against Oxford at Vicarage Road on Saturday, which lifted them to eleventh place in the Championship after a slow start that earned a handful of points from the first six games.
Pezzolano is reportedly departed disappointed by the call to let him go, having led the side to a undefeated streak of three games that featured a home win over Hull and a tie at Portsmouth, placing them three points off the promotion playoffs.
Pezzolano arrived soon after the end of the previous campaign with a proven track record of leading teams to advancement in Spain, Brazil and his home country.
