The Hornets Dismiss Their Manager After a 10-Match Stint and Bring Back Former Boss as Manager
The Championship side have taken the move to end Paulo Pezzolano's contract after just five months and 10 matches in charge, confirming the reappointment of former boss the Spanish coach as his successor.
It is understood that the Uruguayan coach, appointed in May to replace Tom Cleverley, along with his backroom team, were told not to take training on midweek as rumors about his imminent departure grew on Tuesday.
The 40-year-old was called to a discussion where he was named the 11th manager Watford have let go since the start of the year 2020.
"The club is delighted to welcome back Javi," said Watford's chairman and CEO. "His passion, leadership and clear strategy will foster consistency, unity and positive energy.
"We believe there are many supporters who wished Javi had stayed on in 2019. With this young and exciting squad, we are certain his experience and attributes are precisely what we require at this moment."
The returning manager guided the team to the FA Cup showpiece for the only other occasion in the club's history in 2019, but was sacked several games into the next season and last managed at Leeds United in 2023.
"For me, the feeling I have right now is that I'm returning to a familiar place. It was the happiest time of my career," he remarked. "I have fond memories and we have unfinished business at Watford. For us, it's another significant move in our journey.
"This is something special for us, and simultaneously we are highly motivated for this season. If we are together, we are stronger."
The decision to remove Pezzolano arrives despite the team's victory against Oxford at Vicarage Road on Saturday, which lifted them to eleventh place in the second tier after a difficult opening that earned five points from the first six games.
Pezzolano is reportedly departed disappointed by the decision to sack him, having guided the side to a three-match unbeaten run that also included a victory at home over Hull and a tie at Portsmouth, leaving them within touching distance off the promotion playoffs.
The coach arrived soon after the conclusion of the previous campaign with a proven track record of leading clubs to advancement in Spain, Brazil and his home country.