He’s not popular and has no connection with supporters.’: Why it could be the perfect time for Portsmouth to face Watford
He’s not popular and has no connection with supporters.’: Why it could be the perfect time for Portsmouth to face Watford.
The former Real Valladolid manager has won two of Watford’s eight games thus far. Watford manager Paulo Pezzolano is under increasing pressure as he prepares to face Pompey tonight, only seven games into his career.
That’s the verdict of the Watford Observer’s Adam Drury, following an underwhelming two victories from their first eight games in all competitions this season.
In May, the Uruguayan was appointed as the popular Tom Cleverley’s replacement as Head Coach, and he was tasked with guiding the Hornets back to Premier League.
‘Pezzolano is under pressure and he’s not popular’
Drury told The News: ‘We’re seven games into the season, and it’s crazy to be having this talk. Pezzolano is under pressure, he is unpopular, and the lack of connection and link is critical in this situation.
‘It’s a complex situation that can be traced back years in terms of how supporters have been conditioned to view management in the short-term culture. ‘He came in to replace Tom Cleverley, who was extremely popular.
Cleverley spoke well and had a strong playing record at Watford. ‘That similar link between Pezzolano and his supporters simply does not exist.
His English is fairly bad, and he has a Spanish translator. Most people have never heard him speak and just see him from a distance on the touchline.
‘The football has been okay in patches, but it is quite regimented and rigid. In terms of team selection, he makes numerous revisions. In the last three games, there have been five, six, and four changes to the starting XI.
Some of these changes were mandated, but some believe he is still figuring things out. From the supporters’ perspective, this is a head coach they don’t know and a team they don’t feel connected to.
‘Hopefully he is given a bit longer’
‘I’ve spent a considerable amount of time with him and spoken with him, and I’m hoping he’ll be given a little more time to turn things around.
He recognises the need for significant changes in Watford’s short-term culture. I hope he is given enough time to complete it, but if two results go against him this week, I wouldn’t be surprised if he is in trouble during the international break.
Pompey are just one spot behind Watford in 17th, having won two of their first seven games. John Mousinho’s side has suffered consecutive defeats against Sheffield Wednesday and Ipswich, going three games without a win.
The Blues will benefit from the return of Conor Chaplin, who was ineligible to play his parent club on Saturday, while Josh Murphy is recovering from an ankle injury.
‘Portsmouth is a big game for Watford’
Drury continued, “Tonight is a big one.” The club talks about challenging for promotion; that is the goal, and that is one of the causes of the dissatisfaction that is now being widely discussed.
This is the type of game Watford has battled with for many years, and if they roll over and lose, it will prevent them from attaining their full potential.
If the owners’ track record is any indication, Pezzolano will undoubtedly be under pressure. It’s about whether they buy into his season plan; he talks a lot about structure, discipline, balance, and setting the groundwork now to build on later in the season.
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