Paulo Pezzolano appointed as Watford head coach, making him the 13th permanent coach appointment since 2013.
Watford have announced the appointment of Paulo Pezzolano as their new head coach.
Tom Cleverley, who was fired on May 6 after the Hornets’ poor 14th-place Championship finish, is replaced by the 42-year-old Uruguayan.
Since Gianfranco Zola departed Watford in December 2013, Pezzolano has been the team’s 18th permanent manager.
After stints in Mexico and Brazil, he took over at Real Valladolid in Spain, where he was promoted to La Liga in 2024. He started his managerial career at Torque City in Uruguay.
“Paulo has a hugely impressive track record working with young players, which is essential when you look at the age profile of our squad,” the Watford sporting director, Gian Luca Nani, told the club’s official website.
“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.”