Pezzolano: ‘I understand Cleverley was highly appreciated’.

Paulo Pezzolano acknowledges that the popularity of former Watford manager Tom Cleverley may have influenced supporters’ attitudes towards him.

Pezzolano replaced Cleverley in May and has led the Hornets to eight points in his first seven league games in charge. During Saturday’s victory over Hull, he was subjected to “you’re getting sacked in the morning chants”.

Pezzolano stated, “I understand that the previous manager was a highly respected character in the club. “I know he was a wonderful person and a great manager.

“We need to understand how to deal with that. We understand that will be present, but we also recognise that results drive things ahead.

“When the environment is like it was the other day, it’s natural. Results were not coming in the way that everyone had hoped for.

“It is our responsibility to help the players cope with that and perform in that environment. After we win a few games, it could be the opposite, with an overly hopeful mood, and we’ll have to help the players stay focused.”

A video of Pezzolano’s team talk following Hull’s victory shows him telling his players that he is “not here to make friends”. The head coach emphasised that the squad agreed with his point of view and believed in where he was guiding the team. He explained:

“That message after the game was more about things that had been discussed earlier. “For individuals who don’t understand the context, it may appear harsh, but that was not the case. “The players comprehended the message and knew where it came from.

We believe they believe in what we do, as seen by what happens here on a daily basis.

“Of course, a win elevates emotions and makes everything appear to move faster in terms of implementing a playing strategy, but the players’ labour and attitude were always present.

“What we need is to be close to them and we need some of them to grow, to develop quicker in terms of turning them from young players into grown players.”

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