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Paulo Pezzolano earned promotion to La Liga with Real Valladolid in the 2023-24 season Watford have appointed Paulo Pezzolano as their new head coach. The Uruguayan replaces Tom Cleverley, who was sacked on 6 May after the Hornets failed to reach the Championship play-offs, finishing in 14th place. Pezzolano is Watford's 12th head coach since Javi Gracia departed in September 2019 and the ninth since the end of the 2020-21 season. The 42-year-old has achieved promotion as a head coach in Spain, Brazil and his home country. "Paulo has a hugely impressive track record working with young players, which is essential when you look at the age profile of our squad, " sporting director Gianluca Nani told the Hornets website, external. "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. " Pezzolano has secured promotion in Uruguay, Brazil and Spain during his managerial career Pezzolano's 15-year playing career as an attacking midfielder took him across Uruguay, Brazil, Spain and China. He began his managerial career in his home country with Montevideo City Torque where he won the Segunda Division title in 2017. In Brazil, he won promotion to Serie A with Cruzeiro before achieving the same feat in Spain, taking Real Valladolid to La Liga. However, Pezzolano was sacked in November with Valladolid bottom of the table, and the club have subsequently been relegated. "He has innovative ideas and processes which he transmits passionately to the players, " Nani added. "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. " Comments can not be loaded To load Comments you need to enable Java Script in your browser Real Madrid trail Mallorca knowing failure to win hands Barca title - plus Coppa Italia final updates Did 'late flag' offside law expose Awoniyi to serious injury? I'm far from quitting as Man Utd coach - Amorim The shocking tale of a predator who fled to paradise A story of love, loss and hope in the face of disaster Aspiring make-up artists battle it out Yinka Bokinni explores the life of Sean 'Diddy' Combs 'It drags up horrible memories' - the dark side of Lions judgement day How does Liverpool target Frimpong compare with Alexander-Arnold? 75 years of F1 in pictures Heavy hangs the crown - sadness at Wiggins' troubles 'This means more' - why some fans booed Alexander-Arnold Hodgkinson prepared for 'nerve-wracking' return Does loyalty really exist in football? Video Does loyalty really exist in football? 'I was on my last chance' - cricketer's anorexia battle 'Box office Blackmore' - pioneer who transformed racing Can Ancelotti fix Brazil and end World Cup hoodoo? How bad have Amorim's United been in the league? A winner as boy and man - what it was like playing against Kohli Bears on loose and Tigers' next hire - Premiership talking points 'Best stand in the world'? Fulham take fan experience to new levels Baton blunder sees USA crash out of mixed 4x100m relay Video Baton blunder sees USA crash out of mixed 4x100m relay Ask Me Anything, the BBC Sport service designed to serve you Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.