Watford Sacks Pezzolano After Brief Stint, Reappoints Javi Gracia Amidst Managerial Turmoil
Watford FC has once again turned to a familiar face, reappointing Javi Gracia as head coach just five months after the arrival of Paulo Pezzolano. The Uruguayan’s tenure was cut short on Wednesday, marking another swift managerial change at Vicarage Road, a club known for its revolving door policy in the dugout.
Pezzolano’s Short-Lived Reign Comes to an End
Paulo Pezzolano, who was appointed head coach on May 13, 2025, replacing Tom Cleverley, has been dismissed after overseeing just 10 Championship matches. Despite being known as a promotion specialist with a reputation for developing young players and establishing a clear playing identity, Pezzolano’s time in charge failed to yield the desired results for the Hornets’ ownership. His tenure saw a mixed bag of performances, with the club currently sitting 11th in the Championship standings, three points adrift of the play-off places.
While there were signs of recent improvement, including a three-match unbeaten run that featured victories over Oxford United and Hull City, coupled with a draw at Portsmouth, the club’s hierarchy opted for a change. Pezzolano’s dismissal makes him the latest casualty in a period of significant managerial instability for Watford, with reports indicating he is the 11th or 12th manager to depart since the start of 2020.
Javi Gracia Returns to Vicarage Road
In a move that signals a desire for experience and stability, Javi Gracia has been reappointed as head coach. This marks Gracia’s second spell at the helm of the Hornets, having previously managed the club from January 2018 to September 2019. During his initial tenure, the Spaniard guided Watford to their best-ever Premier League finish of 11th in the 2018-19 season, their highest league position since 1987, and famously led them to the FA Cup final.
Gracia’s previous spell was the longest for any Watford manager in the past 14 years, a testament to the stability he brought. He was eventually sacked early in the following campaign after a difficult start saw the team languish at the bottom of the league. Since his departure from Watford, Gracia has had spells managing Valencia, Al Sadd, and most recently, Leeds United in 2023.
Watford chairman and chief executive Scott Duxbury expressed confidence in Gracia’s return, stating, “His passion, leadership and clear strategy will help us build stability, unity and momentum. We are sure there are many supporters who wished Javi had never departed in 2019. With this young and exciting squad we are convinced his experience and qualities are exactly what we need now”. Gracia himself echoed these sentiments, describing his return as “going back home” and stating there is “unfinished business”.
A Cycle of Managerial Change
The frequent managerial turnover at Watford has become a recurring theme under the ownership of the Pozzo family, a pattern that has drawn criticism and concern among football observers in the United Kingdom. Pezzolano’s swift exit underscores this trend, highlighting a persistent challenge for the club in establishing long-term vision and consistency. This high frequency of managerial sackings has often been a topic of discussion in football news across the country, reflecting a volatile environment at Vicarage Road.
Looking Ahead Under Gracia
Gracia’s immediate task will be to galvanize the current squad and push for promotion, a stated ambition of the club’s owners. His first match back in charge is scheduled for October 18, with Watford travelling to face Sheffield United, who are currently at the foot of the Championship table. This will be followed by a home fixture against West Bromwich Albion on October 22, and then a challenging away game against league leaders Coventry City on October 25.
With his proven track record and intimate knowledge of the club, Javi Gracia’s reappointment brings a sense of familiarity and hope. The club will be looking for him to replicate the success of his first spell and provide the stability needed to navigate the remainder of the Championship season. The trending Sports news in the United Kingdom will undoubtedly be watching closely to see if this change can spark the desired turnaround for Watford FC.
