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First words from new Watford boss Javi Gracia as inside story behind sacking Pezzolano emerges

We hear the first words from new Watford boss Javi Gracia as the inside story behind sacking Paulo Pezzolano emerges.

According to Watford Observer, Gracia was approached about replacing Tom Cleverley in the summer, but had a major hip surgery and broken ribs so ruled himself out.

So they hired Pezzolano instead, but after 10 games in charge, his departure was announced having struggled with inconsistent tactics, frequent lineup changes, and a language barrier, causing confusion and frustration among players.

Issues included erratic scheduling, strict dietary rules, and formation shifts, leading to his dismissal despite a mid-table position.

Meanwhile, Troy Deeney claimed that Pezzolano has “fallen out with everybody” at Watford.

Gracia’s return is seen as a coup, given his prior success and promotion experience, with hopes he can build on the season’s decent start and restore stability.

Deeney said: “This is probably breaking confidences a little bit but I know he [Pezzolano] has fallen out with everybody.

“When you fall out with everybody, you haven’t got someone there holding the ship together. Going at players, falling out with fans, it’s never going to work.

“We already know this ownership is not afraid to pull the trigger. Unfortunately for him it didn’t work.

“I actually feel sorry for the players at this moment in time. There’s no real sense of direction.

“There’s no real system, they’ve changed system four times already this season, there’s no continuous team.

“It was probably our most talented squad when he was sacked but we had a bit of a hangover from the year before.

“He’s a great guy and a great coach. He’s very good with man-management and understands people really well.

“If it’s the same coaching staff, they all complemented each other really well.

“For us, he was great and it worked. But then again, they say ‘never go back’, don’t they?

“Let’s see. I hope it works.”

CLUB STATEMENT:

Watford FC are delighted to confirm the return of Javi Gracia as Head Coach after deciding to part ways with Paulo Pezzolano and his backroom staff, whom we thank sincerely for their efforts and commitment during their time in charge. We wish them every success in the future.

In appointing Javi, the club are confident that he will bring the qualities we believe are vital for this young squad: consistency in team selection, harmony within the dressing room and a strong connection with our supporters. His vision and approach align closely with our objectives.

“We are very pleased to welcome back Javi,” said Chairman & Chief Executive Scott Duxbury. “His passion, leadership and clear strategy will help us build stability, unity and momentum.

“We are sure there are many supporters who wished Javi had never departed in 2019. With this young and exciting squad we are convinced his experience and qualities are exactly what we need now.”

Javi will take charge immediately and begin preparations for our next fixture against Sheffield United.

Javi Gracia said that returning to Watford was like coming back home after being reappointed as Head Coach of the Hornets.

The 55-year-old Spaniard is back for a second spell after previously being at the helm between 2018 and 2019.

During that time he guided the Golden Boys to their best ever Premier League finish of 11th, as well as a place in the FA Cup final.

“I’m really happy to be back,” Gracia said to watfordfc.com. “For me, the feeling I have in this moment is that I’m going back home.

“It was the happiest time of my career. I have very good memories, and we have unfinished business here.”

Gracia’s first game back in charge will be the trip to Sheffield United following the international break (Saturday October 18, 3:00pm KO).

He will then meet the fans at Vicarage Road again when West Bromwich Albion visit four days later (Wednesday October 22, 7:45pm KO).

“We loved the club, we loved the fans,” Gracia added, speaking on behalf of his backroom team.

“I’m enthused to be back and to enjoy again the Vicarage Road atmosphere.

“For us it’s another important step in our career. It is something special for us, and at the same time we are very ambitious for this season.

“If we are together, we are stronger.”

Here’s how fans reacted as we hear the first words from new Watford boss Javi Gracia while the inside story behind sacking Pezzolano emerges…

@cultureforce1: A sacking confirmation and an appointment in the same post… we are so back

@PatMcNicholas: Huge fan of completely removing the hour gap between sacking and hiring and just lumping it all into one announcement. Proper efficiency from the club

@Dubstep1988: I want managers to start sacking Watford.

@_KierMoore_: Watford have appointed 22 managers, since September 2012, 13 years ago. That’s an astonishing number, you would have to question as to why anyone would take the job there, under Watford’s current ownership.

@shanehagan24: The bloke was probably overachieving with that squad 😅 not sure what the Watford owners actually expect. A club going nowhere, unfortunately

@matthoade: If he gets to 3 months he’s succeeded

@AbMan1985: This is like in a penalty shootout when they get to goalkeepers and go back around again.

@Greg_Kett: That’s the face of a man who is very much looking forward to his pay off in 2 months time.

@manicsaintbloke: 6 months later……. Watford FC are delighted to confirm the return of Paulo Pezzolano after deciding to part ways with Javi Gracia…….

@Poshboy73: @WatfordFC is everything that’s wrong with football. Lost 3 league games and sack the manager. 12 managers in 6 years!! How is a manager supposed to implement his ideas in 10 games? Farcical. Must cost them millions in settlements.

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