Watford set to sack Paulo Pezzolano after just five months in charge | OneFootball

Watford are preparing to dismiss head coach Paulo Pezzolano after just five months in charge, with former manager Javi Gracia emerging as the frontrunner to return to Vicarage Road, according to Sky Sports.

Pezzolano’s brief tenure is set to end after only 10 competitive matches, of which the Hornets have won just three. Despite a recent upturn, seven points from their last three league games, the Uruguayan has failed to meet the expectations of owner Gino Pozzo, whose pursuit of Premier League promotion remains relentless.

Appointed on May 13 following Tom Cleverley’s dismissal, Pezzolano arrived with a reputation as a promotion specialist, having guided clubs in Spain, Brazil, and Uruguay to top-flight success. However, inconsistency and a poor EFL Cup exit to Norwich have eroded confidence in his leadership.

If confirmed, Pezzolano’s reign would be the third-shortest in Watford’s history, highlighting the club’s ongoing managerial instability, 12 coaches in just five years under Pozzo’s ownership.

Sky Sports is also reporting that Javi Gracia, who led Watford to an FA Cup final and their highest Premier League finish since 1987 during his first spell (2018–2019), is due to fly to England for talks. The Spaniard remains popular among supporters, and his return would be seen as a stabilising move after another turbulent chapter in the club’s recent history.

Watford currently sit 11th in the Championship, just three points off the play-off places, but Pezzolano’s departure underscores the club’s unforgiving demand for immediate success, a hallmark of the Pozzo era.

GFN | Finn Entwistle