Watford Football Club is preparing to terminate the contract of head coach Paulo Pezzolano after only five months at the helm. The decision comes after a series of discussions among club officials, which are expected to culminate in a final decision on Tuesday. Pezzolano, who is 42 years old, was appointed on May 13, succeeding Tom Cleverley, who was dismissed just a week prior.
Background and Performance
Since taking over, Pezzolano has managed the team in ten competitive matches. His tenure has had its ups and downs, particularly in the Championship. Watford secured only five points from their first six league matches, raising concerns about their current form. However, the team showed promising improvement by collecting seven points in their last three fixtures, bringing them within three points of the playoff spots.
Recent Matches
- October 4: Watford secured a comeback victory against Oxford, winning 2-1.
Potential Successor
Should Pezzolano be dismissed, Javi Gracia is reportedly the leading candidate for the head coach position. Gracia previously managed Watford for 66 games between January 2018 and September 2019.
Historic Context
If the club proceeds with the dismissal, Pezzolano’s tenure will rank among the shortest in Watford’s history. He would follow in the footsteps of Oscar Garcia, who managed just four games in September 2014, and Billy McKinlay, who led the team for two games in late 2014.
As Watford continues to seek stability, the situation remains fluid as the club contemplates its next steps. The coming days will be critical in determining the direction the team will take as they aim to compete effectively in the Championship this season.
