SBOTOP: Javi Gracia Returns to Watford Helm as Paulo Pezzolano Is Dismissed After Just Five Months in Charge

Watford Football Club has once again made headlines for their managerial merry-go-round, announcing the dismissal of Paulo Pezzolano after a brief five-month tenure and the surprising return of former manager Javi Gracia. The decision, though abrupt, fits a familiar pattern for the Hertfordshire club, long known for its swift managerial changes under the ownership of the Pozzo family. With Gracia stepping back into the role he last held in 2019, Watford supporters are left wondering whether this latest move signals the beginning of a new era—or merely another chapter in the club’s cycle of instability.

A Swift End to Pezzolano’s Watford Tenure

Paulo Pezzolano’s departure comes after a turbulent start to the Championship season that saw Watford struggling to find rhythm and consistency. Appointed in late May, Pezzolano arrived with a reputation for implementing intense pressing football and tactical innovation, having previously impressed in South America and at Real Valladolid. Yet his philosophy never truly took hold at Vicarage Road.

Watford’s campaign under the Uruguayan began with optimism but quickly descended into frustration. A string of uninspired performances left the Hornets hovering in the lower half of the table, with both fans and the club hierarchy growing increasingly uneasy. The final straw came after a disappointing 1-1 draw at home against Huddersfield Town, a result that extended their winless streak to six matches.

Club chairman Scott Duxbury released a brief statement following the announcement:
“We thank Paulo for his commitment and professionalism during his time with the club. Unfortunately, results have not met expectations, and we feel a change is necessary to move forward positively.”

While Pezzolano’s tactical vision showed promise in isolated flashes, it ultimately failed to deliver consistency. Players often appeared confused by his system, alternating between high-intensity pressing and deep defensive lines. Injuries to key players like Ismaël Koné and Vakoun Bayo further complicated matters, leaving the squad disjointed and short on confidence.

The Return of a Familiar Face Javi Gracia

In a move that has divided opinion among Watford fans, the club has turned once more to a familiar and respected figure—Javi Gracia. The Spaniard, who previously managed the club between 2018 and 2019, enjoyed one of the most stable and successful periods in recent Watford history. Under his guidance, the Hornets achieved an FA Cup final appearance and a solid mid-table Premier League finish—no small feat given the club’s volatile managerial history.

Gracia’s return is being framed as a bid to restore stability and rekindle a sense of identity within the squad. The 54-year-old is widely admired for his calm demeanor, tactical pragmatism, and ability to foster unity in the dressing room—qualities sorely missing in Pezzolano’s tenure.

In his first interview since rejoining the club, Gracia struck a measured tone:
“Watford will always feel like home to me. I know what this club can achieve when everyone is aligned—the players, the staff, and the fans. My focus is to bring back belief and build something sustainable.”

The appointment of Gracia has also been met with approval from several senior players. Club captain Wesley Hoedt and midfielder Tom Dele-Bashiru both publicly expressed enthusiasm about the Spaniard’s return, emphasizing his man-management skills and tactical clarity.

Why Watford Turned to Gracia Again

Gracia’s reappointment may seem like a step backward to some, but to Watford’s leadership, it represents a calculated attempt to steady the ship. Under the Pozzo family, Watford has cycled through 20 managers in just over a decade, often favoring short-term solutions over continuity. In that context, bringing back a known quantity like Gracia—someone who understands the club’s structure and expectations—appears logical.

His previous stint at Watford remains a high point in recent club history. During the 2018–19 campaign, Gracia led Watford to an 11th-place finish in the Premier League—their highest in decades—and guided them to their first FA Cup final since 1984. While that final ended in a humbling 6-0 defeat to Manchester City, Gracia’s achievements that season were widely lauded.

However, his tenure ended abruptly in September 2019 after a poor start to the following season. Ironically, his dismissal then led to a series of managerial changes that have continued to haunt the club. The Pozzos have since gone through managers like Quique Sánchez Flores (again), Nigel Pearson, Vladimir Ivić, Xisco Muñoz, Rob Edwards, and Slaven Bilić—all in quick succession.

The decision to rehire Gracia suggests a desire to break that cycle by bringing back a figure who had previously delivered both results and stability.

Fan Reactions Hope Mixed with Skepticism

Fan response to the managerial change has been mixed. On social media, many Watford supporters expressed relief at Pezzolano’s departure, citing his confusing tactics and poor results. Others, however, voiced skepticism about whether Gracia’s return would be enough to reverse the team’s downward trajectory.

Longtime Watford supporter Marcus James shared his view on X (formerly Twitter):
“Javi Gracia was the last manager who gave us something to believe in. I just hope the board gives him the time they never gave anyone else.”

Another fan, Sarah Coleman, was more cautious:
“I like Gracia, but bringing back an old manager feels like nostalgia more than progress. The real issue is the ownership’s impatience—until that changes, we’ll keep going in circles.”

The sense of déjà vu among fans is understandable. Watford’s constant managerial turnover has often undermined long-term planning, leaving the team perpetually rebuilding.

What Gracia Brings to the Table

Gracia’s managerial style is characterized by tactical balance, discipline, and adaptability. While not as flamboyant as some modern tacticians, he prioritizes structure and organization, often employing a 4-4-2 or 4-2-2-2 system that emphasizes compactness and transitional play.

During his previous tenure, Gracia was praised for getting the best out of players like Troy Deeney, Abdoulaye Doucouré, and Gerard Deulofeu. His teams were known for their work ethic, pressing discipline, and ability to strike on the counterattack.

In his second stint, Gracia will inherit a squad brimming with young potential but lacking cohesion. Players such as Yáser Asprilla, Ryan Andrews, and Matheus Martins have shown flashes of brilliance but need consistent guidance. Gracia’s man-management and experience could be exactly what this group requires to unlock its full potential.

Additionally, his familiarity with the club’s infrastructure, including its scouting network and training facilities, will enable him to hit the ground running. Unlike previous hires, who often needed months to adapt, Gracia already understands the dynamics at Vicarage Road.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the optimism surrounding his return, Gracia faces several significant challenges. Watford’s defensive frailty has been a recurring issue, with the team conceding soft goals from set pieces and transitions. Shoring up the backline will be one of his top priorities.

Equally pressing is the need to instill confidence in a squad that has endured instability and inconsistent performances. The mental toll of constant managerial changes cannot be overstated. Players have had to adapt to varying tactical demands under multiple coaches in quick succession, leading to confusion and fatigue.

Gracia will also need to address the club’s attacking inefficiency. Watford have struggled to convert chances, with strikers Vakoun Bayo and Mileta Rajović failing to deliver consistent goals. Revitalizing the attack, possibly through the January transfer window, will be essential if the club hopes to climb the table.