Watford hire Uruguayan coach Pezzolano as Cleverley's replacement

Championship club Watford hired former Real Valladolid boss Paulo Pezzolano as their new head coach on Tuesday.

The 42-year-old Uruguayan replaced Tom Cleverley, who was sacked following Watford's disappointing 14th-place finish in the English second tier.

Pezzolano is Watford's 18th permanent boss since Gianfranco Zola left in December 2013.

He began his managerial career at Uruguay's Torque City and, after spells with clubs in Mexico and Brazil, he took over at Spanish side Valladolid in 2023.

Pezzolano led Valladolid to promotion to La Liga in 2024, but was sacked in November with the team struggling towards the bottom of the table.

"Paulo has a hugely-impressive track record working with young players, which is essential when you look at the age profile of our squad," Watford sporting director Gian Luca Nani said.

"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."