Watford Dismiss Paulo Pezzolano After a 10-Match Stint and Reappoint Former Boss as Head Coach
Watford Football Club have taken the decision to end Paulo Pezzolano's contract after only a brief period and 10 matches in control, confirming the reappointment of former boss the Spanish coach as his replacement.
Reports suggest that the Uruguayan coach, appointed in the spring to take over from Tom Cleverley, along with his backroom team, were told not to take training on midweek as speculation about his imminent departure grew on the previous day.
Pezzolano was called to a discussion where he was named the 11th head coach the club have let go since the beginning of the year 2020.
"The club is very pleased to welcome back Javi," said the club's chief executive. "His enthusiasm, guidance and clear strategy will foster consistency, unity and positive energy.
"We believe there are many supporters who wished Gracia had never departed in 2019. With this talented squad, we are certain his experience and attributes are exactly what we require at this moment."
The returning manager guided Watford to the FA Cup final for the only other occasion in the club's history in that year, but was dismissed a few matches into the next season and most recently coached at Leeds in last year.
"For me, the emotion I have right now is that I'm going back home. It was the most enjoyable period of my professional life," he remarked. "I have very good memories and we have loose ends here. For us, it's another significant move 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 stronger."
The decision to remove Pezzolano comes despite the team's victory against Oxford United at their home ground on Saturday, which moved them to 11th in the second tier after a slow start that yielded a handful of points from the initial six matches.
The Uruguayan is reportedly departed dismayed by the decision to let him go, having led Watford to a three-match unbeaten run that also included a home win over Hull City and a draw at Portsmouth, placing them three points off the playoff places.
Pezzolano arrived shortly after the end of the previous campaign with a strong record of leading clubs to advancement in Spain, South America and Uruguay.
