Coaching Update: Robbo Role Change, Zigor Arrives
Yesterday at 05:00 AM
Tom Cleverley has confirmed that Paul Robinson's role on his coaching staff is set to change.
And, at the same time, he welcomes Javi Gracia’s former Assistant Coach Zigor Aranalde onto his coaching staff.
Former Watford defender Robinson will now become a key part of TC's opposition analysis work.
“There's a few factors involved, very much including family considerations, so Robbo and I discussed how he could remain closely involved with our group,” explained the Hornets' Head Coach.
“I've got a huge amount of respect for Robbo's work and his commitment to our football club as a true Watford man.
“This option means he's still very much part of our team for now - just not quite so visible to supporters on matchdays.”
As a result of Robbo's change of role, Aranalde will return to Vicarage Road to join Cleverley's coaching staff.
“Zigor’s a guy I know very well – I worked with him for the best part of 18 months when he was part of Javi’s staff,” says TC.
“It was a very successful time in the club’s history, something he and I touched upon when we spoke over a Zoom call in the past couple of days.
“He’s someone that can come in and give us further help in the areas that we need.”
It’s another change to Cleverley’s staff, but he’s unperturbed by this and went on to explain the challenges he’s faced since assuming his role on an interim basis back in March.
Said the Watford boss: ”When you’re thrust into a role without too much notice, it’s actually quite difficult to quickly build a staff and get the perfect balance – especially when it’s your first shot at senior level.
“There’s still one or two areas where I feel we’ve not got the perfect balance just yet in terms of getting the best out of the staff for the benefit of the players, so like I said before, we can’t be frightened of change when it comes along.
“Whatever the reasons for change, you’ve got to see it as an opportunity to evolve and progress.”
The 51-year-old Aranalde – who spent the majority of his playing career in England with long spells at both Walsall and Carlisle United – also worked with Gracia at Valencia, Al Sadd and Leeds United after leaving Vicarage Road in 2019.
