Watford appoint little-known Uruguayan, 42, as new manager after controversial Tom Cleverley axe
WATFORD have named a little-known Uruguayan as their new manager.
Former Real Valladolid boss Paulo Pezzolano, 42 comes in just a week after the mid-table Championship side sacked Tom Cleverley.
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Paulo Pezzolano arrives after being sacked by Real Valladolid in November
Credit: Getty
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Watford sacked Tom Cleverley after 19 months in charge
Credit: PA
Incredibly, Pezzolano is the Hornets' 22nd boss since Gino Pozzo took over the club in 2012.
Cleverley's axing angered many Hornets fans after he arrived as interim chief in March 2024 and landed the permanent job a month later.
But the ex-Manchester United midfielder paid the price for Watford slipping out of play-off contention in the second half of this season.
The Hornets picked up just five wins in 2025.
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And Cleverley departed after Watford finished the campaign with a 1-1 home draw against Sheffield Wednesday last Saturday.
However, appointing Pezzolano appears something of a gamble.
His only previous managerial job in Europe was his last one.
He was in charge of LaLiga team Real Valladolid from April 2023 until his sacking in November last year.
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Valladolid went on to finish bottom with just 17 points this season, meaning relegation.
Before that spell, Pezzolano bossed Brazilians Cruzeiro, following stints managing Mexican team Pachuca and home-country clubs Liverpool Montevideo and Montevideo City Torque.
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Pezzolano has landed his second managerial post in Europe
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Watford's sporting director Gian Luca Nani said in a statement: '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."
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Nani added: '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.'
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