Paulo Pezzolano is a soccer coach
Paulo Pezzolano is one of the most promising Uruguayan coaches in international soccer. After a career as a player in Uruguay, Brazil, Spain, China, and Mexico, he made the transition to coaching and has progressed rapidly.
He began his managerial career at Torque City in Uruguay, where he guided the team to promotion and the league title. Later, at Liverpool Montevideo, he reshaped the club’s identity and delivered its first major trophy. His impressive work drew attention from Mexico’s Pachuca, where he refined his tactical model before taking on a greater challenge in Brazil.
At Cruzeiro, Pezzolano arrived at a pivotal moment under the new ownership of Ronaldo Nazário. He led the team back to Brazil’s top flight and clinched the Série B title with record-breaking anticipation, restoring the club’s competitiveness. His success opened the door to Spain, where he took charge of Real Valladolid, navigating the challenges of the Segunda División with a rebuilding squad and ultimately securing promotion to La Liga.
After his spell in Spain, in May 2025 Paulo took on the challenge of managing Watford FC in the English Championship. It was a new experience in a different footballing environment, but one that fitted perfectly with his playing philosophy. The Uruguayan coach spent five months improving the club’s day-to-day operations, implementing changes that are now starting to pay off: October began with Watford as the third-best home team, having taken 7 points from the last 9 available. Despite his unquestionable work, his time at Watford came to an end on October 8.
As a result of the strong legacy he has left at every club he has managed, Paulo Pezzolano took charge of Internacional de Porto Alegre in December 2025, one of the clubs with the largest fan bases in Brazil.
Pezzolano advocates for an attacking, high-intensity, and dynamic brand of football, influenced by Guardiola’s Barcelona. His man-management skills and tactical adaptability have been key to his rise. With clear vision and ambition, he continues to establish himself as one of the most promising coaches in European football.
Career as a coach
- 2016-2018: Torque City. Pezzolano began his managerial career at the Uruguayan club, leading them to promotion and the championship title. His early success showcased his ability to implement an attacking, modern style of football.
- 2018-2019: Liverpool de Uruguay. He transformed the team’s identity and guided Liverpool to the first major title in the club’s history .
- 2020-2022: Pachuca. Pezzolano made the move to Mexican football, where he refined his tactical approach and strengthened his vision of a dynamic, vertical brand of play.
- 2022-2023: Cruzeiro. He took charge of a club in crisis and, under the new ownership of Ronaldo Nazário, led Cruzeiro back to Serie A, securing the Série B championship with record-breaking anticipation.
- 2023-2024: Real Valladolid. In Spain, he accepted the challenge of managing a rebuilding side and successfully guided Real Valladolid back to La Liga.
- 2025: Watford. Pezzolano introduced new methods and a stronger daily work culture. He left the team as the third-best home side in the Championship and with the second-best unbeaten run in the league.
- 2025–2026: Internacional de Porto Alegre.