Watford Football Club has dismissed head coach Paulo Pezzolano after a brief five-month tenure. In a swift move, the club appointed former manager Javi Gracia as his replacement. This change occurred after a series of crucial discussions among the club’s leadership on Tuesday.
Change in Leadership at Watford
Paulo Pezzolano’s time at Watford yielded only five points from six initial matches in the Championship. The Uruguayan coach, who was appointed on May 13 to replace Tom Cleverley, has now become the 12th manager to leave Watford in just five years. He managed a total of ten competitive games during his short spell.
In contrast, Javi Gracia returns to Vicarage Road. His previous management period lasted from January 2018 to September 2019, in which he conducted 66 matches. He emerged as the top candidate for this managerial role and was successfully reappointed.
Pezzolano’s Mixed Performance
Under Pezzolano, Watford secured seven points from their last three games, bringing them closer to the playoff spots. However, the early part of the season demonstrated inconsistency, leaving the club at 11th place with nine points overall. His dismissal followed a match against Oxford, where he guided the team to a 2-1 victory.
- First match: May 13, 2023
- Number of games: 10 competitive matches
- Points in first six Championship games: 5
- Points in last three games: 7
- Final position: 11th place with 9 points
Reports indicated that Pezzolano lost the dressing room, having reportedly clashed with several players during his tenure. Concerns arose that his tactics and formation were confusing, with notable decisions that baffled both players and fans. Instructions were often unclear, contributing to dissatisfaction among the squad.
Gracia’s Successful Tenure
Javi Gracia’s previous achievements at Watford include leading the club to Premier League safety and a remarkable FA Cup final appearance in 2019. Many fans still regard him highly due to his successful strategies during that period. His sacking came while the team was at the bottom of the Premier League, a decision the club’s hierarchy now acknowledges as a mistake.
In his most recent managerial role, Gracia briefly led Leeds United, saving them from relegation before being relieved of his duties in May 2023. The club’s chairman, Scott Duxbury, played a crucial role in bringing Gracia back, believing he can maximize the potential of a squad that saw significant investment during the summer.
With Pezzolano’s departure, Watford looks forward to revitalization under the experienced leadership of Javi Gracia as they aim to climb further up the Championship table.
