Watford have announced the appointment of Paulo Pezzolano as their new head coach. The 42-year-old Uruguayan succeeds Tom Cleverley, who was sacked on 6 May following the Hornets’ disappointing 14th-place finish in the Championship.
Pezzolano becomes Watford’s 18th permanent manager since Gianfranco Zola left in December 2013.
He began his managerial career at Uruguay’s Torque City, and after spells in Mexico and Brazil he took over at the Spanish club Real Valladolid, securing promotion to La Liga in 2024.
“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.
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“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.”
