Paulo Pezzolano - Head Coach

Astoundingly bad at Sevilla & working miracles to drag Panathanikos down to mid table in Greece.

Welcome to Watford

 

What’s the longest we’ve had to wait under Pozzo for a new manager to be announced? The usual is a very swift appointment (not Taylor), sometimes same day, sometimes next day.

I think Edwards was a relatively fairly long time?

 

Style of play is:

"Direct, focused on wing play but very predictable and easily worked out"

"Confused and disjointed performances"

Ultimately, it sounds like Baah will be doing 90% of the leg work until he's once again on the sidelines. If we want to play wingers, we need FOUR quality wingers. Not Sissoko or Ince.

 

Come on the failed work permit gods.

 

Absolutely buzzing for this appointment.

 

18.4 middle

 

Maybe we're all being unfair - perhaps Sevilla and Panathinaikos were simply not purely vibes-based environments of the type Watford so clearly is.

All Diego has to do is smile a lot, and be happy, so happy. More than you believe. Happy new year!

 

He’d be one of the worst appointments under Daddy’s boy, and that’s saying something.

How long ago it all feels now since we got Zola and everything was wonderfully new and exciting.

 

I'd sooner have Xisco back than this clown that's current frontrunner.

 

Last seen being unceremoniously defenestrated from his position as head coach of a team in the top division of Slovakian football

 

The Board must see his recent managerial performances, so why would they want to hire him? Do they just pick any available name out of a hat ? If they are really resigned to scraping the international barrel, why not just stick with TC ?

 

Not based on anything other than the fact that a few well-placed folks seem to have received indication it is this dire coach Alonso, I’ve theorized that Pozzo floated this obviously awful coach so that fans are relieved rather than angry at the subsequent appointment of someone vaguely competent.

 

So, Mr Alonso, what about the inevitable big payoff first attracted you to working with Tom Ince and Mogi Bayat Enterprises?

 

Is this chap a Mogi client?

 

Not that you where asking me, but of the managers linked then that Will Still guy from Lens sounds promising. He seems to have done a job there despite all their good players being sold and not having a fit striker. Sounds like good work experience for our job.

 

In fairness to Gino he has stated we need someone with experience.

He didn’t mention success, ability or competence.

So he’s keeping to his word.

 

Please, no more references to the odious narcissist that is Russell Martin.

 

Nowt wrong with Xisco

 

I think we are all getting a bit carried away here, other processes need to happen before we bring a new manager in:

• Sell any player of value
• Bring in random free players not related to positional needs
• Loan in dross Udinese wants rid of.

Then employ new coach with no say on player movements and new players in regardless of required system/formation.

Don't want any boat rocking until the action has happened and it is too late to give them any support they can quickly identify.

 

Of course the next guy and the guy after that deserves a chance, like the previous 24 or however many there have been. But can you imagine walking into this job? The fans will start booing and singing the Tom Cleverly song as soon as we're 2-0 down on opening day. The owner expects us to (and I quote Gino Pozzo here) "challenge for the play-off places next season and, hopefully, promotion". Who on earth would a) want to try that and b) actually succeed at this impossible task? I don't think even prime José Mourinho would stand a chance. This Alonso guy probably isn't too bothered - he's been sacked after two or three months in his previous two jobs so he has nothing to lose, but anyone with serious ambitions and ability will stay well clear of this car crash of a football club at the moment.

 

Don't forget Gino has to think up his false promises for the new bloke too:

Of course you can have another striker... You'll definitely get a say in transfers... I certainly won't force you to only choose Udinese cast offs or spin Mogi Bayat's tombola of shyte.

 

Well this is depressing !

 

Appointing a manager is much like our transfer rumours … linked to good players, get dreadful imitations …. Manager selection in Ginos head goes like “what about someone like Xabi Alonso. Hes touted as the next great up and coming manager - we could appoint…. Diego Alonso, they are basically the same person and the fans will think that too ….HMS piss the league sails again !!!”

 

This is what chatGPT says about him:

Diego Alonso’s coaching style is characterized by tactical flexibility, a preference for dynamic attacking play, and a pragmatic approach tailored to his team’s strengths and the match context.

Tactical Flexibility and Adaptability
Alonso is known for his willingness to adjust formations and strategies based on the players at his disposal and the specific challenges posed by opponents. He has employed various formations, including 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3, and 4-4-2, and is not hesitant to switch systems mid-game to exploit tactical advantages.

Emphasis on Direct and Vertical Play
While he appreciates possession-based football, Alonso often prioritizes directness and verticality in attack. His teams aim to transition quickly from defense to offense, utilizing rapid passing sequences and dynamic movements to penetrate opposition lines. This approach is designed to capitalize on the speed and creativity of his attacking players.

Wing Play and Crossing
Alonso’s offensive strategy frequently involves overloading the flanks, with full-backs and wingers combining to create crossing opportunities. His teams often direct multiple players to the wings to stretch the opponent’s defense, followed by delivering crosses into the penalty area targeting strikers positioned to capitalize on these deliveries.

Defensive Pressing and Organization
Defensively, Alonso emphasizes regaining possession swiftly through coordinated pressing. His teams implement medium to high pressing schemes, aiming to disrupt the opponent’s build-up play and create turnovers in advantageous positions. This proactive defensive approach is integral to his overall game plan.

Player Development and Man-Management
Beyond tactics, Alonso is recognized for his ability to develop young talent and foster strong relationships with his players. He has been instrumental in the growth of players like Hirving Lozano and Federico Valverde, emphasizing mentorship and personal development as key components of his coaching philosophy.


In summary, Diego Alonso’s teams are marked by tactical versatility, a balance between possession and direct play, strategic use of wing attacks, aggressive defensive pressing, and a commitment to player development. His adaptable approach allows him to tailor his strategies to the unique demands of each team and competition.

So I reckon chatGPT is where Gino found this guy.

 

Apparently everyone is now an expert on a manager that 48 hours ago no one had ever heard of .

 

He also didn't specify which field the experience needs to be in.
John Cleese is a very experienced comedian. An option ?

 

Can I ask who the well placed folks are that you’ve based your opinion on ?

 

I asked ChatGPT who it thinks should be Watford manager and got this:

Recommended Candidate: Russell Martin
Russell Martin stands out as a strong candidate for Watford's managerial position. Having previously managed Swansea City, he demonstrated a commitment to developing young players and playing an attractive, possession-based style of football. His ability to work with limited resources and still achieve competitive results aligns well with Watford's current situation. Although he was dismissed from Southampton in December 2024, his track record suggests he could be a good fit for Watford's ambitions.

Why Russell Martin?

• Development of Young Talent: At Swansea, Martin was known for nurturing young players and providing them with opportunities in the first team.
  
  
• Tactical Philosophy: He prefers a possession-based style of play, which could bring a refreshing approach to Watford's tactics.
  
  
• Experience in the Championship: Martin has experience in the Championship, understanding the demands and challenges of the league.
  
  
• Potential for Stability: His appointment could bring the much-needed stability to Watford's managerial position.
  

While other candidates like Steve Cooper and Gary Rowett have been mentioned, Russell Martin's profile seems to align well with Watford's current needs and future aspirations. His appointment could mark the beginning of a new era at Vicarage Road, focusing on youth development and a clear tactical identity.

 

Russello Martinez?