Watford Sack Paulo Pezzolano Following a 10-Match Stint and Reappoint Former Boss as Manager
The Championship side have taken the decision to terminate Paulo Pezzolano's tenure after just a brief period and 10 games in charge, announcing the return of ex-manager the Spanish coach as his successor.
It is understood that Pezzolano, who was hired in the spring to take over from Tom Cleverley, along with his backroom team, were told not to take practice on midweek as rumors about his exit grew on the previous day.
Pezzolano was called to a meeting where he became the 11th manager Watford have let go since the beginning of 2020.
"The club is very pleased to reappoint Javi," stated the club's chief executive. "His enthusiasm, leadership and clear strategy will foster consistency, togetherness and positive energy.
"We are sure many fans who hoped Javi had never departed in 2019. With this young and exciting squad, we are certain his experience and qualities are precisely what we need now."
The returning manager previously led the team to the FA Cup showpiece for the only other occasion in their history in 2019, but was sacked a few matches into the next season and most recently coached at Leeds United in last year.
"Personally, the emotion I have in this moment is that I'm going back home. It was the happiest period of my professional life," he remarked. "There are very good memories and we have unfinished business at Watford. For us, it's another significant move in our career.
"It 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."
The decision to remove Pezzolano arrives despite their win against Oxford at their home ground on the weekend, which lifted them to eleventh place in the Championship after a difficult opening that earned a handful of points from the first six games.
The Uruguayan is reportedly departed dismayed by the decision to sack him, having led Watford to a three-match unbeaten run that featured a victory at home over Hull and a draw at Fratton Park, leaving them within touching distance off the promotion playoffs.
Pezzolano joined soon after the conclusion of last season with a proven track record of leading teams to advancement in Spain, Brazil and his home country.
