Watford has dismissed head coach Paulo Pezzolano just five months after his appointment, replacing him with former manager Javi Gracia. This decision makes Pezzolano the 12th coach to be sacked by the club in the past five years. Gracia, who previously managed Watford from January 2018 to September 2019, has agreed to return to Vicarage Road. Club chairman and CEO Scott Duxbury expressed satisfaction with Gracia's return, highlighting his passion, leadership, and clear strategy as vital for achieving stability and unity within the team.

Pezzolano, appointed on May 13, had a mixed start in the Championship despite significant transfer investments. Watford earned only five points from their first six league matches but improved with seven points from the last three, moving closer to playoff positions. Analysts suggest Pezzolano lost the dressing room's support, with unclear tactics and a disconnect with fans contributing to his dismissal. Gracia's return is welcomed by fans, who remember his past successes, including an FA Cup final and an 11th-place Premier League finish in 2018-2019.