Watford Part Ways With Their Manager Following 10 Games and Reappoint Former Boss as Head Coach
The Championship side have made the move to terminate their manager's contract after only five months and 10 matches in charge, announcing the return of ex-manager the Spanish coach as his replacement.
It is understood that the Uruguayan coach, who was hired in May to replace Tom Cleverley, along with his backroom team, were told not to take practice on midweek as rumors about his exit mounted on the previous day.
Pezzolano was summoned for a discussion where he became the 11th manager the club have let go since the beginning of the year 2020.
"The club is delighted to reappoint Javi," said the club's chief executive. "His passion, leadership and well-defined plan will foster consistency, unity and positive energy.
"We are sure there are many supporters who hoped Gracia had never departed in 2019. With this talented squad, we are certain his experience and qualities are precisely what we need at this moment."
The returning manager previously led Watford to the FA Cup final for the only other occasion in their history in 2019, but was dismissed several games into the following campaign and last managed at Leeds in last year.
"For me, the feeling I have in this moment is that I'm returning to a familiar place. It was the most enjoyable period of my professional life," he remarked. "There are very good memories and we have unfinished business here. For us, it's a further significant move in our career.
"It is something special for us, and simultaneously we are highly motivated for this campaign. If we are united, we are stronger."
The decision to remove Pezzolano comes even after their victory against Oxford at their home ground on the weekend, which moved them to 11th in the second tier after a slow start that yielded five points from the first six games.
Pezzolano is reportedly departed disappointed by the call to sack him, having guided Watford to a three-match unbeaten run that also included 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 La Liga, Brazil and his home country.
