Watford fires Paulo Pezzolano, hires Javi Gracia as head coach
Posted on Oct 9, 2025 by Lysander Templeton
When Watford Football Club announced on that it had dismissed Paulo Pezzolano, the club’s supporters were left reeling and pundits scrambling for explanations.
The decision, confirmed by a breaking YouTube bulletin from Sky Sports News at roughly 22:22 UTC, also revealed that former boss Javi Gracia would take the helm immediately. No official statement from Watford’s board has been released yet, but the timing suggests a swift attempt to steady a struggling campaign in the English Football League Championship.
Background and recent performance
Pezzolano, an Uruguayan‑born tactician, arrived at Vicarage Road in early May 2025, taking over a side that had barely escaped the relegation zone under the short‑term stewardship of former interim boss. In his five‑month stint, Watford recorded three wins, two draws and five defeats, leaving the club hovering around 12th place with 14 points from nine league matches. While the numbers aren’t catastrophic, they’re far from the pace required to challenge for promotion.
Fans had hoped the Uruguayan’s “high‑press” philosophy would revive a squad that struggled to create clear‑cut chances. The reality, however, was a series of narrow losses – a 1‑0 defeat to Preston North End and a 2‑1 home loss against Birmingham City that left the Vicarage Road faithful visibly frustrated.
The sacking: what we know
According to the Sky Sports News video, the club’s chairman called an emergency meeting on Wednesday evening, after which Pezzolano was informed of his termination. The exact financial terms of the termination remain undisclosed, but it’s typical for Championship clubs to include a severance package equal to a few months’ salary. The move mirrors a pattern for Watford: five managerial changes in the past four seasons, a revolving‑door that has hindered long‑term planning.
Though the club has kept the official rationale under wraps, several indicators point to performance and style mismatches as primary drivers. The team’s expected goals (xG) fell from 1.32 per game in the first half of the season to just 0.78 after Pezzolano’s appointment, signalling a drop in attacking potency.
Javi Gracia’s return
Javi Gracia, a Spaniard with a résumé that includes stints at Watford (2018‑2019), Sunderland, and a spell in the United Arab Emirates, is no stranger to the club’s culture. During his first term, he guided the team to a 15th‑place finish in the Championship, stabilising a squad that had been flirting with relegation.
Gracia is expected to revert to a more pragmatic 4‑2‑3‑1 formation, emphasizing defensive solidity while allowing the likes of forward Willian Josué to exploit spaces on the counter‑attack. In a brief interview with a Spanish outlet on Thursday, Gracia hinted, “We’ll keep the identity but add a dose of realism – the league is unforgiving, and we need points now.”
The club’s technical director, John McGreal, told reporters that Gracia will have a 30‑day window to assess the squad before the upcoming international break, after which the first match under his guidance is slated for the weekend of October 18 against Leeds United.
Reactions from fans and pundits
The news sparked a flurry of reactions on social media. On Twitter, the hashtag #WatfordChange trended briefly, with longtime supporter @LJWatford writing, “Pezzolano was the right man, but we need results. Gracia brings experience – fingers crossed.” Conversely, a vocal minority argued the club is “spinning its wheels” by repeatedly opting for familiar faces instead of fresh ideas.
Former England midfielder Jack Collins, now a pundit on Sky Sports, observed, “The short‑term shock may buy Watford a few points, but without a clear recruitment strategy they’ll be back on the chopping block next season.”
Local newspapers in Hertfordshire noted that the timing is crucial: the club’s next fixtures include away trips to already‑promoted sides, meaning a win would be a massive morale boost, while a loss could see them slip into the bottom six.
What’s next for Watford?
Beyond the immediate tactical adjustments, the club faces a handful of strategic questions. First, the transfer window closes on October 31, giving Gracia limited time to sign or loan players. Rumours suggest interest in a young striker from the National League and a possible loan of a versatile midfielder from a Premier League side.
Second, the ownership group, led by chairman Alvaro Saavedra, will have to decide whether to grant Gracia a longer‑term contract or treat him as a caretaker until season’s end.
Finally, the broader Championship landscape remains volatile. With promotion rivals like Southampton and Leicester City pulling ahead, Watford’s window to secure a playoff spot narrows daily. If Gracia can engineer a string of three wins in the next five matches, the club could climb back into the top ten and revive hopes of a spring surge.
- Coach dismissed: Paulo Pezzolano (5 months in charge)
- New appointment: Javi Gracia (returning for a second spell)
- Current league position: 12th in the Championship
- Record under Pezzolano: 3‑2‑5
- Next match: vs. Leeds United on 18 Oct 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Watford decide to sack Paulo Pezzolano?
The club’s board cited a dip in both points per game and attacking output after Pezzolano took charge. With only three wins in nine matches and a significant drop in expected goals, the hierarchy felt a change was necessary to halt the slide.
What experience does Javi Gracia bring back to Watford?
Gracia previously managed Watford during the 2018‑19 season, guiding them to a mid‑table finish. He also has Premier League experience with Sunderland and a successful spell in the UAE, where he honed a pragmatic, defensively‑solid style that could suit the current squad.
How might the managerial change affect Watford’s upcoming fixtures?
The immediate impact will be felt in the October 18 clash with Leeds United. If Gracia can implement a more compact defensive shape, Watford could secure a point or even a surprise win, which would be crucial ahead of the busy December period.
Are there any transfer rumours linked to the new coach?
Talks have emerged about a loan deal for a creative midfielder from a Premier League side and a potential signing of a prolific National League striker. Both moves would give Gracia more options ahead of the October 31 transfer deadline.
What does this mean for Watford’s long‑term ambitions?
While a short‑term boost is likely the primary goal, the club still aims to mount a promotion challenge. Consistency under Gracia, coupled with strategic signings, could keep Watford in the playoff conversation, but the board must also address the broader issue of frequent managerial turnover.