The Hornets Sack Their Manager Following 10 Games and Reappoint Javi Gracia as Head Coach
The Championship side have taken the decision to end their manager's contract after just a brief period and 10 games in charge, confirming the reappointment of former boss the Spanish coach as his replacement.
Reports suggest that the Uruguayan coach, appointed in May to take over from the interim manager, along with his technical staff, were told not to lead training on midweek as speculation about his imminent departure grew on Tuesday.
The 40-year-old was called to a discussion where he became the 11th head coach the club have moved on since the beginning of the year 2020.
"We are very pleased to welcome back Javi," said the club's chief executive. "His passion, leadership and well-defined plan will help us build stability, unity and positive energy.
"We believe there are many supporters who hoped Javi had never departed in the past. With this young and exciting squad, we are convinced his experience and attributes are exactly what we require at this moment."
Gracia previously led the team to the FA Cup final for the second time in their history in 2019, but was dismissed several games into the next season and last managed at Leeds in last year.
"For me, the feeling I have in this moment is that I'm going back home. It was the happiest time of my professional life," Gracia stated. "I have fond memories and we have unfinished business at Watford. For us, it's another important step in our journey.
"This is a unique opportunity for us, and at the same time we are very ambitious for this season. If we are together, we are stronger."
The decision to remove Pezzolano arrives even after their win against Oxford at their home ground on Saturday, which lifted them to 11th in the second tier after a difficult opening that yielded five points from the first six games.
The Uruguayan is reportedly left dismayed by the call to let him go, having guided the side to a undefeated streak of three games that also included a home win over Hull City and a draw at Portsmouth, leaving them within touching distance off the playoff places.
The coach arrived soon after the end of the previous campaign with a proven track record of guiding teams to promotion in La Liga, South America and Uruguay.
