The Hornets Dismiss Their Manager Following a 10-Match Stint and Bring Back Former Boss as Manager
Watford Football Club have made the move to end their manager's contract after only a brief period and 10 matches in control, confirming the return of former boss the Spanish coach as his successor.
It is understood that the Uruguayan coach, appointed in the spring to replace the interim manager, along with his backroom team, were instructed not to take training on Wednesday as rumors about his exit mounted on Tuesday.
The 40-year-old was called to a meeting where he was named the 11th head coach the club have moved on since the start of 2020.
"The club is very pleased to welcome back Javi," stated Watford's chairman and CEO. "His passion, leadership and well-defined plan will foster consistency, togetherness and positive energy.
"We are sure many fans who hoped Javi had stayed on in the past. With this talented team, we are convinced his know-how and qualities are exactly what we require at this moment."
The returning manager previously led Watford to the FA Cup showpiece for the only other occasion in their history in 2019, but was dismissed several games into the following campaign and last managed at Leeds in last year.
"Personally, the emotion I have in this moment is that I'm returning to a familiar place. It was the happiest period of my professional life," he remarked. "There are very good memories and we have loose ends at Watford. For us, it's a further important step in our journey.
"This is a unique opportunity for us, and at the same time we are highly motivated for this campaign. If we are united, we are stronger."
The decision to remove Pezzolano arrives despite their victory against Oxford at their home ground on the weekend, which lifted them to 11th in the Championship after a slow start that earned a handful of points from the first six games.
Pezzolano is said to have left dismayed by the decision to sack him, having led Watford to a undefeated streak of three games that also included a home win over Hull City and a tie at Fratton Park, placing them within touching distance off the promotion playoffs.
The coach arrived soon after the end of the previous campaign with a strong record of guiding clubs to advancement in Spain, Brazil and Uruguay.
