Watford have announced that they have appointed Paulo Pezzolano as their new head coach.
Earlier this month, the Hornets made the decision to part ways with Tom Cleverley after his side dropped out of Championship playoff contention to finish in mid-table.
Given Watford’s history when it comes to appointing managers, the race to replace the Englishman felt wide open, yet it is a candidate that many of the club’s fans are likely to have never heard of who is now at the helm.
Pezzolano – who is 42 years of age – has racked up 312 matches as a manager across stints in Uruguay, Mexico, Brazil and Spain.
However, most recently, he was at Real Valladolid, earning them promotion to La Liga during the 2023-24 campaign before being sacked in November.
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What have Watford said on the Uruguayan?
Speaking on the club’s official website, sporting director Gian Luca Nani has spoken of the reasons why he feels that the Uruguayan is the right person to put together a promotion push in the Championship.
Nani said: “Paulo has a hugely impressive track record working with young players, which is essential when you look at the age profile of our squad.
“He has had success at virtually every club, including league titles and promotions, but it is his work on the training ground that impressed the most when we undertook our research.
“He has innovative ideas and processes which he transmits passionately to the players. We believe Paulo is the leader we need as we refocus ahead of the new season. He is fully aware of our ambitions and determination to push for promotion and embraces that challenge.
“The club achieved great success when making similar appointments in Slavisa Jokanovic, Javi Gracia and Xisco Munoz, and we hope our fans welcome Paulo and wish him every success as we try to achieve the owner’s clear aim of challenging for a return to the Premier League.”
What other past success as Pezzolano enjoyed?
As well as the second-tier promotion with Valladolid, Pezzolano has lifted league titles at the same level with Uruguayan side Torque and Brazilian outfit Cruzeiro.
He also led Pachuca to the Liga MX playoffs in 2020-21 before they were eliminated at the semi-final stage.
Perhaps mirroring Watford’s approach to appointing managers, Pezzolano has never lasted more than 77 matches at one club, either being removed from his role or accepting an offer from another team.
