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| image = Veljko Paunović 2017 crop.jpg
| image = Veljko Paunović 2017 crop.jpg
| caption = Paunović managing [[Chicago Fire FC|Chicago Fire]] in 2017
| caption = Paunović managing [[Chicago Fire FC|Chicago Fire]] in 2017
| full_name = Veljko Paunović<ref name=Profile>{{cite news|url=https://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/envivos/fichas/1/196/3780.html|title=Veljko PAUNOVIC|newspaper=[[El Mundo (Spain)|El Mundo]]|language=es|access-date=9 July 2009}}</ref>
| full_name = Veljko Paunović<ref name=Profile>{{cite news|url=http://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/envivos/fichas/1/196/3780.html|title=Veljko PAUNOVIC|newspaper=[[El Mundo (Spain)|El Mundo]]|language=es|access-date=9 July 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.ph/NZCvg|archive-date=13 February 2013}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1977|8|21|df=yes}}<ref name=Profile/>
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1977|8|21|df=yes}}<ref name=Profile/>
| birth_place = [[Strumica]], [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia|SFR Yugoslavia]]<ref name=Profile/>
| birth_place = [[Strumica]], [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia|SFR Yugoslavia]]<ref name=Profile/>
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| manageryears4 = 2015–2019 | managerclubs4 = [[Chicago Fire FC|Chicago Fire]]
| manageryears4 = 2015–2019 | managerclubs4 = [[Chicago Fire FC|Chicago Fire]]
| manageryears5 = 2020–2022 | managerclubs5 = [[Reading F.C.|Reading]]
| manageryears5 = 2020–2022 | managerclubs5 = [[Reading F.C.|Reading]]
| manageryears6 = 2023| managerclubs6 = [[C.D. Guadalajara|Guadalajara]]
| manageryears6 = 2023 | managerclubs6 = [[C.D. Guadalajara|Guadalajara]]
| manageryears7 = 2024– | managerclubs7 = [[Tigres UANL]]
| manageryears7 = 2024– | managerclubs7 = [[Tigres UANL]]
| club-update =
| medaltemplates = {{MedalSport|Men's [[Association football|football]]}}
| medaltemplates = {{MedalSport|Men's [[Association football|football]]}}
{{Medal|Country|{{fb|SRB}}}} <small>(as manager)</small>
{{Medal|Country|{{fb|SRB}}}} <small>(as manager)</small>
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'''Veljko Paunović''' ({{lang-sr-Cyrl|Вељко Пауновић}}, {{IPA|sh|ʋěːʎko paǔ:noʋitɕ|pron}}; born 21 August 1977) is a Serbian [[Association football|football]] [[Manager (association football)|manager]] and former player. He is the current head coach of [[Liga MX]] club [[Tigres UANL]].
'''Veljko Paunović''' ({{lang-sr-Cyrl|Вељко Пауновић}}, {{IPA|sh|ʋěːʎko paǔ:noʋitɕ|pron}}; born 21 August 1977) is a Serbian [[Association football|football]] [[Manager (association football)|manager]] and former player. He is the current head coach of [[Liga MX]] club [[Tigres UANL]].


A versatile attacking unit, he could operate as an [[attacking midfielder]] or a [[striker (association football)|striker]], and spent most of his professional career in Spain where he represented eight clubs,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rednationonline.ca/InsidetheMLSVeljkoPaunovic.aspx|title=Inside the MLS: Veljko Paunovic|publisher=[[Red Nation Online]]|last=Vujcic|first=Djuradj|date=29 March 2012|access-date=30 March 2012}}</ref> amassing [[La Liga]] totals of 212 matches and 38 goals over 11 seasons and having several spells with [[Atlético Madrid]]. Other than in his own country, he also played in Germany, Russia and the United States.
A versatile attacking unit, he could operate as an [[attacking midfielder]] or a [[striker (association football)|striker]], and spent most of his professional career in Spain where he represented eight clubs,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rednationonline.ca/InsidetheMLSVeljkoPaunovic.aspx|title=Inside the MLS: Veljko Paunovic|publisher=[[RedNation Online]]|last=Vujcic|first=Djuradj|date=29 March 2012|access-date=30 March 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123160753/http://www.rednationonline.ca/InsidetheMLSVeljkoPaunovic.aspx|archive-date=23 January 2024}}</ref> amassing [[La Liga]] totals of 212 matches and 38 goals over 11 seasons and having several spells with [[Atlético Madrid]]. Other than in his own country, he also played in Germany, Russia and the United States.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://as.com/futbol/ojala-siga-el-cholo-pero-me-gustaria-ver-a-luis-enrique-en-el-atletico-de-madrid-n/|title=Veljko Paunovic: “Ojalá siga el Cholo, pero me gustaría ver a Luis Enrique en el Atlético de Madrid”|trans-title=Veljko Paunovic: "Hopefully Cholo will continue, but I would like to see Luis Enrique at Atlético de Madrid"|newspaper=[[Diario AS]]|last=Herrán|first=Alfonso|language=es|date=11 December 2022|access-date=16 December 2024}}</ref>


Paunović began working as a manager in 2012, starting with [[Serbia national football team|Serbia]]'s youth teams and later being in charge of [[Chicago Fire FC|Chicago Fire]] and [[Reading F.C.|Reading]].
Paunović began working as a manager in 2012, starting with [[Serbia national football team|Serbia]]'s youth teams and later being in charge of [[Chicago Fire FC|Chicago Fire]], [[Reading F.C.|Reading]], [[C.D. Guadalajara|Guadalajara]] and [[Tigres UANL]].


==Playing career==
==Playing career==
===Club===
===Club===
Born in [[Strumica]], [[Socialist Republic of Macedonia]], [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia]], Paunović made his professional debut at 17 with [[FK Partizan]]. The following summer he moved to Spain, where he would stay for most of the following decade playing for a host of clubs,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=301225.html|title=Paunovic poised for Getafe switch|publisher=UEFA|date=10 May 2005|access-date=29 November 2012}}</ref> starting in the [[1995–96 Segunda División|1995–96 season]] with modest [[CA Marbella]] and reaching the [[1998–99 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup]] final with [[RCD Mallorca]] (with whom he scored five league goals in [[1998–99 La Liga|that campaign]], to help the [[Balearic Islands]] team finish third),<ref>{{cite news|url=http://elpais.com/diario/1999/05/20/deportes/927151201_850215.html|title=El Mallorca pierde con orgullo|trans-title=Mallorca lose proudly|newspaper=[[El País]]|last=Segurola|first=Santiago|language=es|date=20 May 1999|access-date=28 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rcdm.es/entrevista-a-veljko-paunovic/|title=Paunovic: "Cumplí varios sueños en el Mallorca, y estaré agradecido eternamente"|trans-title=Paunovic: "I fulfilled several dreams with Mallorca, and I'll thank them forever"|publisher=RCDM|last=Mazarrasa|first=Gonzalo|language=es|date=6 August 2009|access-date=29 November 2012|archive-date=5 September 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090905112917/http://www.rcdm.es/entrevista-a-veljko-paunovic/|url-status=dead}}</ref> as well as having three separate stints with [[Atlético Madrid]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=274632.html|title=Atlético and Paunovic part company|publisher=UEFA|date=24 January 2005|access-date=29 November 2012}}</ref>
Born in [[Strumica]], [[Socialist Republic of Macedonia]], [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia]], Paunović made his professional debut at 17 with [[FK Partizan]]. The following summer he moved to Spain, where he would stay for most of the following decade playing for a host of clubs,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/01a9-0f84718c20d5-929958db8725-1000--paunovic-poised-for-getafe-switch/|title=Paunovic poised for Getafe switch|publisher=UEFA|date=10 May 2005|access-date=6 December 2024}}</ref> starting in the [[1995–96 Segunda División|1995–96 season]] with modest [[CA Marbella]] and reaching the [[1998–99 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup]] final with [[RCD Mallorca]] (with whom he scored five league goals in [[1998–99 La Liga|that campaign]], to help the [[Balearic Islands]] team finish third),<ref>{{cite news|url=http://elpais.com/diario/1999/05/20/deportes/927151201_850215.html|title=El Mallorca pierde con orgullo|trans-title=Mallorca lose proudly|newspaper=[[El País]]|last=Segurola|first=Santiago|language=es|date=20 May 1999|access-date=28 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rcdm.es/entrevista-a-veljko-paunovic/|title=Paunovic: "Cumplí varios sueños en el Mallorca, y estaré agradecido eternamente"|trans-title=Paunovic: "I fulfilled several dreams with Mallorca, and I'll thank them forever"|publisher=RCDM|last=Mazarrasa|first=Gonzalo|language=es|date=6 August 2009|access-date=29 November 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090905112917/http://www.rcdm.es/entrevista-a-veljko-paunovic/|archive-date=5 September 2009}}</ref> as well as having three separate stints with [[Atlético Madrid]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/01a5-0f846514e77d-313e0fa635e2-1000--atletico-and-paunovic-part-company/|title=Atlético and Paunovic part company|publisher=UEFA|date=24 January 2005|access-date=6 December 2024}}</ref>


Paunović had his best year in [[2002–03 Segunda División|2002–03]] with [[CD Tenerife]] in [[Segunda División]], netting 18 times in 38 appearances although the [[Canary Islands|insular]] side could only rank eighth.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archivo.marca.com/futbol/pichichi02_03_segunda.html|title=Jesús Perera, Pichichi 2003 en Segunda|trans-title=Jesús Perera, 2003 ''Pichichi'' in ''Segunda''|newspaper=[[Marca (newspaper)|Marca]]|language=es|date=29 June 2003|access-date=16 March 2021}}</ref> After a return to Atlético and a brief stay in Germany with [[Hannover 96]], he joined [[Getafe CF]] for [[2005–06 La Liga|2005–06's top flight]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ccma.cat/324/El-Getafe-de-Schuster-es-reforca-amb-el-davanter-serbi-Veljko-Paunovic/noticia/95398/#|title=El Getafe de Schuster es reforça amb el davanter serbi Veljko Paunovic|trans-title=Schuster's Getafe bolster with Serbian forward Veljko Paunovic|publisher=[[Televisió de Catalunya]]|language=ca|date=18 July 2005|access-date=23 August 2018}}</ref> enjoying his finest season in [[La Liga]] by scoring ten goals in 30 league matches to help the [[Madrid]] outskirts club to the ninth place. Due to the years spent in the country, he received a [[Spanish nationality law|Spanish passport]] in 2006.<ref name=Passport>{{cite news|url=http://web.eldia.es/2008-01-19/jornada/jornada42.htm|title=Paunovic ficha por el Almería|trans-title=Paunovic signs for Almería|newspaper=[[El Día (Canary Islands)|El Día]]|language=es|date=19 January 2008|access-date=23 August 2018}}</ref>
Paunović had his best year in [[2002–03 Segunda División|2002–03]] with [[CD Tenerife]] in [[Segunda División]], netting 18 times in 38 appearances although the [[Canary Islands|insular]] side could only rank eighth.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archivo.marca.com/futbol/pichichi02_03_segunda.html|title=Jesús Perera, Pichichi 2003 en Segunda|trans-title=Jesús Perera, 2003 ''Pichichi'' in ''Segunda''|newspaper=[[Marca (newspaper)|Marca]]|language=es|date=29 June 2003|access-date=16 March 2021}}</ref> After a return to Atlético and a brief stay in Germany with [[Hannover 96]], he joined [[Getafe CF]] for [[2005–06 La Liga|2005–06's top flight]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ccma.cat/324/El-Getafe-de-Schuster-es-reforca-amb-el-davanter-serbi-Veljko-Paunovic/noticia/95398/#|title=El Getafe de Schuster es reforça amb el davanter serbi Veljko Paunovic|trans-title=Schuster's Getafe bolster with Serbian forward Veljko Paunovic|publisher=[[Televisió de Catalunya]]|language=ca|date=18 July 2005|access-date=23 August 2018}}</ref> enjoying his finest season in [[La Liga]] by scoring ten goals in 30 league matches to help the [[Madrid]] outskirts club to the ninth place. Due to the years spent in the country, he received a [[Spanish nationality law|Spanish passport]] in 2006.<ref name=Passport>{{cite news|url=http://web.eldia.es/2008-01-19/jornada/jornada42.htm|title=Paunovic ficha por el Almería|trans-title=Paunovic signs for Almería|newspaper=[[El Día (Canary Islands)|El Día]]|language=es|date=19 January 2008|access-date=23 August 2018}}</ref>


Paunović was signed by [[Russian Premier League]]'s [[FC Rubin Kazan]] in March 2007, after falling out of favour with Getafe coach [[Bernd Schuster]]. The following year, he agreed a two-and-a-half-year deal with [[UD Almería]] in January.<ref name=Passport/> His debut was a sour one, playing 20 minutes [[Substitute (association football)|off the bench]] against [[Racing de Santander]] in a 1–0 away defeat, while also receiving two yellow cards in one minute (with the consequent [[Ejection (sports)|dismissal]]).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ideal.es/almeria/20080225/deportes/ud-almeria/paunovic-indignante-esto-suceda-20080225.html?redirect=1|title=Paunovic: "Es muy indignante que esto suceda en el fútbol español"|trans-title=Paunovic: "It's outrageous this can happen in Spanish football"|newspaper=[[Ideal (newspaper)|Ideal]]|last=Gutiérrez|first=José Gabriel|language=es|date=25 February 2008|access-date=29 November 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229141352/http://www.ideal.es/almeria/20080225/deportes/ud-almeria/paunovic-indignante-esto-suceda-20080225.html?redirect=1|archive-date=29 February 2012}}</ref> He would score on two occasions towards [[2007–08 La Liga|the season]]'s end, in a 4–2 away loss to former team Getafe<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/226503?cc=5739|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026114818/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/226503?cc=5739|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 October 2012|title=Getafe 4–2 Almeria|publisher=[[ESPN FC|ESPN Soccernet]]|date=7 May 2008|access-date=29 November 2012}}</ref> and in the last matchday, a 3–1 victory at [[RCD Espanyol]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/241326?cc=5739|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026114839/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/241326?cc=5739|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 October 2012|title=Espanyol 1–3 Almeria|publisher=ESPN Soccernet|date=18 May 2008|access-date=29 November 2012}}</ref>
Paunović was signed by [[Russian Premier League]]'s [[FC Rubin Kazan]] in March 2007, after falling out of favour with Getafe coach [[Bernd Schuster]]. The following year, he agreed a two-and-a-half-year deal with [[UD Almería]] in January.<ref name=Passport/> His debut was a sour one, playing 20 minutes [[Substitute (association football)|off the bench]] against [[Racing de Santander]] in a 1–0 away defeat, while also receiving two yellow cards in one minute (with the consequent [[Ejection (sports)|dismissal]]).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ideal.es/almeria/20080225/deportes/ud-almeria/paunovic-indignante-esto-suceda-20080225.html?redirect=1|title=Paunovic: "Es muy indignante que esto suceda en el fútbol español"|trans-title=Paunovic: "It's outrageous this can happen in Spanish football"|newspaper=[[Ideal (newspaper)|Ideal]]|last=Gutiérrez|first=José Gabriel|language=es|date=25 February 2008|access-date=29 November 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229141352/http://www.ideal.es/almeria/20080225/deportes/ud-almeria/paunovic-indignante-esto-suceda-20080225.html?redirect=1|archive-date=29 February 2012}}</ref> He would score on two occasions towards [[2007–08 La Liga|the season]]'s end, in a 4–2 away loss to former team Getafe<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/226503?cc=5739|title=Getafe 4–2 Almeria|publisher=[[ESPN FC|ESPN Soccernet]]|date=7 May 2008|access-date=29 November 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026114818/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/226503?cc=5739|archive-date=26 October 2012}}</ref> and in the last matchday, a 3–1 victory at [[RCD Espanyol]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/241326?cc=5739|title=Espanyol 1–3 Almeria|publisher=ESPN Soccernet|date=18 May 2008|access-date=29 November 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026114839/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/241326?cc=5739|archive-date=26 October 2012}}</ref>


On 12 July 2008, Paunović signed a two-year deal with his former club Partizan.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.diariodealmeria.es/deportes/Paunovic-ficha-Partizan_0_167983600.html|title=Paunovic ficha por el Partizán|trans-title=Paunovic signs for Partizan|newspaper=[[Diario de Almería]]|last=Mirón|first=Guillermo|language=es|date=14 July 2008|access-date=14 April 2022}}</ref> On 13 August, he scored in a 2–2 draw with Turkey's [[Fenerbahçe S.K.|Fenerbahçe SK]] in the [[2008–09 UEFA Champions League|third qualifying round]] of the [[UEFA Champions League]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01d0-0e6fa31fd37a-fdd0aa219bc5-1000--fenerbahce-fightback-foils-partizan/|title=Fenerbahçe fightback foils Partizan|publisher=UEFA|date=13 August 2008|access-date=14 April 2022}}</ref> Before the end of the year, however, he announced his decision to retire from the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/es/news/1910/entrevistas/2010/12/15/2260235/entrevista-paunovic-quiero-la-mentalidad-ganadora-de|title=Entrevista Paunovic: "Quiero la mentalidad ganadora de Mourinho, y la lucidez de Guardiola"|trans-title=Paunovic interview: "I want Mourinho's winner mindset, and Guardiola's lucidity"|publisher=[[Goal (website)|Goal]]|last=Loaiza|first=Alfonso|language=es|date=15 December 2010|access-date=14 April 2022}}</ref>
On 12 July 2008, Paunović signed a two-year deal with his former club Partizan.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.diariodealmeria.es/deportes/Paunovic-ficha-Partizan_0_167983600.html|title=Paunovic ficha por el Partizán|trans-title=Paunovic signs for Partizan|newspaper=[[Diario de Almería]]|last=Mirón|first=Guillermo|language=es|date=14 July 2008|access-date=14 April 2022}}</ref> On 13 August, he scored in a 2–2 draw with Turkey's [[Fenerbahçe S.K.|Fenerbahçe SK]] in the [[2008–09 UEFA Champions League|third qualifying round]] of the [[UEFA Champions League]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01d0-0e6fa31fd37a-fdd0aa219bc5-1000--fenerbahce-fightback-foils-partizan/|title=Fenerbahçe fightback foils Partizan|publisher=UEFA|date=13 August 2008|access-date=14 April 2022}}</ref> Before the end of the year, however, he announced his decision to retire from the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/es/news/1910/entrevistas/2010/12/15/2260235/entrevista-paunovic-quiero-la-mentalidad-ganadora-de|title=Entrevista Paunovic: "Quiero la mentalidad ganadora de Mourinho, y la lucidez de Guardiola"|trans-title=Paunovic interview: "I want Mourinho's winner mindset, and Guardiola's lucidity"|publisher=[[Goal (website)|Goal]]|last=Loaiza|first=Alfonso|language=es|date=15 December 2010|access-date=14 April 2022}}</ref>


On 29 June 2009, Paunović went on trial with the [[New York Red Bulls]], but eventually turned down the one-year contract offer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more_sports/2009/07/23/2009-07-23_red_bulls_eye_serbian_forward.html|title=Red Bulls eyeing Serbian forward Veljko Paunovic|publisher=New York Daily News|last=Lewis|first=Michael|date=22 July 2009|access-date=29 November 2012}}</ref> In June 2011, after nearly three years out of football, the 33-year-old signed a deal with another American club, [[Philadelphia Union]], after a trial stint.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/2011/06/union-sign-serbian-forward-veljko-paunovi%C4%87|title=Union sign Serbian forward Veljko Paunović|publisher=Philadelphia Union|date=13 June 2011|access-date=29 November 2012|archive-date=15 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615161010/http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/2011/06/union-sign-serbian-forward-veljko-paunovi%C4%87|url-status=dead}}</ref> He scored his first goal with his new team late in the month, in a 3–2 win over [[Chivas USA]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/match/59657/philadelphia-union-vs-chivas-usa/report|title=Philadelphia Union 3–2 Chivas USA: Philly extend home unbeaten run with spirited comeback|publisher=Goal|date=26 June 2011|access-date=29 November 2012}}</ref>
On 29 June 2009, Paunović went on trial with the [[New York Red Bulls]], but eventually turned down the one-year contract offer.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more_sports/2009/07/23/2009-07-23_red_bulls_eye_serbian_forward.html|title=Red Bulls eyeing Serbian forward Veljko Paunovic|newspaper=[[New York Daily News]]|last=Lewis|first=Michael|date=22 July 2009|access-date=29 November 2012}}</ref> In June 2011, after nearly three years out of football, the 33-year-old signed a deal with another American club, [[Philadelphia Union]], after a trial stint.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/2011/06/union-sign-serbian-forward-veljko-paunovi%C4%87|title=Union sign Serbian forward Veljko Paunović|publisher=Philadelphia Union|date=13 June 2011|access-date=29 November 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615161010/http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/2011/06/union-sign-serbian-forward-veljko-paunovi%C4%87|archive-date=15 June 2011}}</ref> He scored his first goal with his new team late in the month, in a 3–2 win over [[Chivas USA]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/match/59657/philadelphia-union-vs-chivas-usa/report|title=Philadelphia Union 3–2 Chivas USA: Philly extend home unbeaten run with spirited comeback|publisher=Goal|date=26 June 2011|access-date=29 November 2012}}</ref>


Paunović officially announced his retirement for the second time on 19 January 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/2012/01/unions-paunovi%C4%87-announces-decision-retire|title=Union's Paunović announces decision to retire|publisher=Philadelphia Union|date=18 January 2012|access-date=29 November 2012|archive-date=23 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023062423/http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/2012/01/unions-paunovi%C4%87-announces-decision-retire|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Paunović officially announced his retirement for the second time on 19 January 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/2012/01/unions-paunovi%C4%87-announces-decision-retire|title=Union's Paunović announces decision to retire|publisher=Philadelphia Union|date=18 January 2012|access-date=29 November 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023062423/http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/2012/01/unions-paunovi%C4%87-announces-decision-retire|archive-date=23 October 2013}}</ref>


===International===
===International===
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Paunović earned a [[UEFA Pro Licence|UEFA PRO coaching licence]] and a [[sporting director]] degree from the [[Royal Spanish Football Federation]]. For nine months, he was a [[UEFA Champions League]] analyst for [[RTVE]] in Spain.<ref name=Contract>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicago-fire.com/post/2019/01/03/chicago-fire-soccer-club-signs-head-coach-veljko-paunovi-multi-year-contract|title=Chicago Fire Soccer Club signs head coach Veljko Paunović to multi-year contract extension|publisher=Chicago Fire|date=3 January 2019|access-date=7 May 2019}}</ref>
Paunović earned a [[UEFA Pro Licence|UEFA PRO coaching licence]] and a [[sporting director]] degree from the [[Royal Spanish Football Federation]]. For nine months, he was a [[UEFA Champions League]] analyst for [[RTVE]] in Spain.<ref name=Contract>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicago-fire.com/post/2019/01/03/chicago-fire-soccer-club-signs-head-coach-veljko-paunovi-multi-year-contract|title=Chicago Fire Soccer Club signs head coach Veljko Paunović to multi-year contract extension|publisher=Chicago Fire|date=3 January 2019|access-date=7 May 2019}}</ref>


Paunović began working as a manager with the Serbia national team, being of charge of their [[Serbia national under-18 football team|under-18]], [[Serbia national under-19 football team|under-19]] and [[Serbia national under-20 football team|under-20 sides]]. While with the latter, he won the [[2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup|2015 FIFA World Cup]].<ref name=U20>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/u-20-world-cup/0/blog/post/2499327/veljko-paunovic-the-man-behind-serbia-under-20-world-cup-win|title=Veljko Paunovic: The man behind Serbia's under-20 World Cup glory|publisher=[[ESPN]]|last=Ibrulj|first=Sasa|date=20 June 2015|access-date=23 August 2018}}</ref>
Paunović began working as a manager with the Serbia national team, being in charge of their [[Serbia national under-18 football team|under-18]], [[Serbia national under-19 football team|under-19]] and [[Serbia national under-20 football team|under-20 sides]]. While with the latter, he won the [[2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup|2015 FIFA World Cup]].<ref name=U20>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/u-20-world-cup/0/blog/post/2499327/veljko-paunovic-the-man-behind-serbia-under-20-world-cup-win|title=Veljko Paunovic: The man behind Serbia's under-20 World Cup glory|publisher=[[ESPN]]|last=Ibrulj|first=Sasa|date=20 June 2015|access-date=23 August 2018}}</ref>


===Chicago Fire===
===Chicago Fire===
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===Reading===
===Reading===
Paunović replaced [[Mark Bowen (footballer)|Mark Bowen]] as manager of [[Reading F.C.|Reading]] on 29 August 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53958436|title=Veljko Paunovic: Reading appoint Serbian as manager, replacing Mark Bowen|publisher=BBC Sport|date=29 August 2020|access-date=29 August 2020}}</ref> On his [[EFL Championship]] debut on 12 September, the team won 2–0 at [[Derby County F.C.|Derby County]];<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wokinghampaper.co.uk/derby-county-0-2-reading-goals-from-joao-and-ejaria-give-paunovics-royals-the-perfect-start/|title=Derby County 0–2 Reading: Goals from Joao and Ejaria give Paunović's Royals the perfect start|newspaper=Wokingham Today|last=Preston|first=Andy|date=12 September 2020|access-date=19 January 2021|archive-date=11 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211201430/https://www.wokinghampaper.co.uk/derby-county-0-2-reading-goals-from-joao-and-ejaria-give-paunovics-royals-the-perfect-start/|url-status=dead}}</ref> he ended September as the division's [[EFL Championship Manager of the Month|Manager of the Month]] for winning all three games.<ref name=MOTM>{{cite news|url=https://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/news/18779976.reading-fc-boss-nomimated-manager-month-award/|title=Reading FC boss nomimated for Manager of the Month award|newspaper=[[The Reading Chronicle]]|last=Joy|first=Matt|date=8 October 2020|access-date=26 October 2021}}</ref> They missed out on a [[2021 English Football League play-offs|playoff place]] with two games remaining, after a 2–2 draw against [[Swansea City A.F.C.|Swansea City]] at the [[Madejski Stadium]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56790293|title=Reading 2–2 Swansea City|publisher=BBC Sport|last=Vincent|first=Gareth|date=25 April 2021|access-date=27 May 2021}}</ref>
Paunović replaced [[Mark Bowen (footballer)|Mark Bowen]] as manager of [[Reading F.C.|Reading]] on 29 August 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53958436|title=Veljko Paunovic: Reading appoint Serbian as manager, replacing Mark Bowen|publisher=BBC Sport|date=29 August 2020|access-date=29 August 2020}}</ref> On his [[EFL Championship]] debut on 12 September, the team won 2–0 at [[Derby County F.C.|Derby County]];<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wokinghampaper.co.uk/derby-county-0-2-reading-goals-from-joao-and-ejaria-give-paunovics-royals-the-perfect-start/|title=Derby County 0–2 Reading: Goals from Joao and Ejaria give Paunović's Royals the perfect start|newspaper=[[Wokingham Today]]|last=Preston|first=Andy|date=12 September 2020|access-date=19 January 2021|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211201430/https://www.wokinghampaper.co.uk/derby-county-0-2-reading-goals-from-joao-and-ejaria-give-paunovics-royals-the-perfect-start/|archive-date=11 February 2022}}</ref> he ended September as the division's [[EFL Championship Manager of the Month|Manager of the Month]] for winning all three games.<ref name=MOTM>{{cite news|url=https://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/news/18779976.reading-fc-boss-nomimated-manager-month-award/|title=Reading FC boss nomimated for Manager of the Month award|newspaper=[[The Reading Chronicle]]|last=Joy|first=Matt|date=8 October 2020|access-date=26 October 2021}}</ref> They missed out on a [[2021 English Football League play-offs|playoff place]] with two games remaining, after a 2–2 draw against [[Swansea City A.F.C.|Swansea City]] at the [[Madejski Stadium]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56790293|title=Reading 2–2 Swansea City|publisher=BBC Sport|last=Vincent|first=Gareth|date=25 April 2021|access-date=27 May 2021}}</ref>


In November 2021, during Paunović's [[2021–22 EFL Championship|second season]], the team received a six-point deduction for breaching profitability and sustainability rules across the previous three seasons.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/nov/17/reading-agree-six-point-deduction-with-efl-for-breaching-financial-rules|title=Reading agree six-point deduction with EFL for breaching financial rules|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|last=Fisher|first=Ben|date=17 November 2021|access-date=2 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/veljko-paunovic-message-reading-fans-22213141|title=Veljko Paunovic sends defiant message to Reading FC fans after confirmation of points deduction|publisher=Get Reading|last=Warlow|first=Robert|date=19 November 2021|access-date=1 February 2022}}</ref> The following January, the Royals were knocked out of the [[FA Cup]] in the [[2021–22 FA Cup|third round]] by [[National League North]] side [[Kidderminster Harriers]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/news/19834227.will-turn-around-reading-fc-manager-insists-right-man-job/|title="I will turn this around." Reading FC manager insists he is right man for the job|newspaper=The Reading Chronicle|last=Nurick|first=Benjy|date=8 January 2022|access-date=1 February 2022}}</ref>
In November 2021, during Paunović's [[2021–22 EFL Championship|second season]], the team received a six-point deduction for breaching profitability and sustainability rules across the previous three seasons.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/nov/17/reading-agree-six-point-deduction-with-efl-for-breaching-financial-rules|title=Reading agree six-point deduction with EFL for breaching financial rules|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|last=Fisher|first=Ben|date=17 November 2021|access-date=2 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/veljko-paunovic-message-reading-fans-22213141|title=Veljko Paunovic sends defiant message to Reading FC fans after confirmation of points deduction|publisher=Get Reading|last=Warlow|first=Robert|date=19 November 2021|access-date=1 February 2022}}</ref> The following January, the Royals were knocked out of the [[FA Cup]] in the [[2021–22 FA Cup|third round]] by [[National League North]] side [[Kidderminster Harriers]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/news/19834227.will-turn-around-reading-fc-manager-insists-right-man-job/|title="I will turn this around." Reading FC manager insists he is right man for the job|newspaper=The Reading Chronicle|last=Nurick|first=Benjy|date=8 January 2022|access-date=1 February 2022}}</ref>
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===Guadalajara===
===Guadalajara===
On 31 October 2022, Paunović became the manager of [[Liga MX]] club [[C.D. Guadalajara|Guadalajara]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://chivasdecorazon.com.mx/en/noticias/35627|title=Veljko Paunovic: Chivas' new head coach.|publisher=C.D. Guadalajara|date=31 October 2022|access-date=31 October 2022}}</ref> He made his debut the following 7 January in a 1–0 win at [[C.F. Monterrey|Monterrey]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eldiariodecoahuila.com.mx/2023/01/07/paunovic-en-chivas-comenzo-con-el-pie-derecho-ante-monterrey/|title=Paunovic en Chivas comenzó con el pie derecho ante Monterrey|trans-title=Paunović starts off on the right foot at Chivas against Monterrey|newspaper=El Diario de Coahuila|language=es|date=7 January 2023|access-date=24 April 2023}}</ref> On 15 December 2023, Paunović and Guadalajara parted ways by mutual agreement.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chivasdecorazon.com.mx/en/noticias/37151|title=Press release|publisher=C.D. Guadalajara|date=15 December 2023}}</ref> During his tenure in Guadalajara, Veljko was able to take his squad to the final in his first year as head coach. He unfortunately fell short to win although he was up 2–0 with 20 minutes left on the clock. The following season he lost several key matches 4–0 vs rival America, 4–0 vs Tigres, and was eliminated in the quarter final after losing 3–0 vs Pumas UNAM.
On 31 October 2022, Paunović was named manager at [[Liga MX]] club [[C.D. Guadalajara]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://chivasdecorazon.com.mx/en/noticias/35627|title=Veljko Paunovic: Chivas' new head coach.|publisher=C.D. Guadalajara|date=31 October 2022|access-date=31 October 2022}}</ref> He made his debut the following 7 January in a 1–0 win at [[C.F. Monterrey]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eldiariodecoahuila.com.mx/2023/01/07/paunovic-en-chivas-comenzo-con-el-pie-derecho-ante-monterrey/|title=Paunovic en Chivas comenzó con el pie derecho ante Monterrey|trans-title=Paunović starts off on the right foot at Chivas against Monterrey|newspaper=El Diario de Coahuila|language=es|date=7 January 2023|access-date=24 April 2023}}</ref>
Paunović left in December 2023 by mutual agreement.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chivasdecorazon.com.mx/en/noticias/37151|title=Press release|publisher=C.D. Guadalajara|date=15 December 2023|access-date=16 December 2023}}</ref>


===Tigres UANL===
===Tigres UANL===
On 9 June 2024, Mexican club [[Tigres UANL]] appointed Paunović as their new head coach.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com.mx/futbol/mexico/nota/_/id/13765001/tigres-veljko-paunovic-tecnico-apertura-2024-liga-mx|title=Tigres hace oficial la llegada de Veljko Paunović como DT|publisher=ESPN México|date=9 June 2024}}</ref>
On 9 June 2024, Paunović became head coach of [[Tigres UANL]] in the same country and league.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com.mx/futbol/mexico/nota/_/id/13765001/tigres-veljko-paunovic-tecnico-apertura-2024-liga-mx|title=Tigres hace oficial la llegada de Veljko Paunović como DT|trans-title=Tigres make Veljko Paunović's arrival as HC official|publisher=[[ESPN (Latin America)|ESPN Mexico]]|language=es|date=9 June 2024|access-date=9 June 2024}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Paunović experienced hardships while training for football, such as walking for hours to practice and sometimes going without food. His father, [[Blagoje Paunović|Blagoje]], was also a footballer. A [[Defender (association football)|defender]] who inspired him, he too played for Partizan and represented Yugoslavia at [[UEFA Euro 1968]], later embarking in a managerial career.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.coachesvoice.com/son-of-serbia/|title=Son of Serbia|publisher=The Coaches' Voice|date=24 January 2018|access-date=7 May 2019}}</ref>
Paunović experienced hardships while training for football, such as walking for hours to practice and sometimes going without food.<ref name=CV>{{cite web|url=https://learning.coachesvoice.com/son-of-serbia/|title=Son of Serbia|agency=Coaches' Voice|last=Hodson|first=Tony|date=2 November 2020|access-date=15 December 2024}}</ref> His father, [[Blagoje Paunović|Blagoje]], was also a footballer; a [[Defender (association football)|defender]] who inspired him, he too played for Partizan and represented Yugoslavia at [[UEFA Euro 1968]], later embarking in a managerial career.<ref name=CV/>


Paunović is married and has four children.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mozzartsport.com/vesti/paunovicev-poker-foto/57938|title=Paunovićev poker (FOTO)|trans-title=Paunović poker (PHOTO)|publisher=Mozzart Sport|language=sr|date=30 July 2013|access-date=18 June 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304082135/http://www.mozzartsport.com/vesti/paunovicev-poker-foto/57938|archive-date=4 March 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> He is fluent in six languages: [[English language|English]], [[Spanish language|Spanish]], [[Serbian language|Serbian]], [[Macedonian language|Macedonian]], [[Russian language|Russian]] and [[German language|German]].<ref name=Contract/>
Paunović is married and has four children.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mozzartsport.com/vesti/paunovicev-poker-foto/57938|title=Paunovićev poker (FOTO)|trans-title=Paunović poker (PHOTO)|publisher=Mozzart Sport|language=sr|date=30 July 2013|access-date=18 June 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304082135/http://www.mozzartsport.com/vesti/paunovicev-poker-foto/57938|archive-date=4 March 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> He is fluent in six languages: [[English language|English]], [[Spanish language|Spanish]], [[Serbian language|Serbian]], [[Macedonian language|Macedonian]], [[Russian language|Russian]] and [[German language|German]].<ref name=Contract/>
Line 241: Line 242:


==Managerial statistics==
==Managerial statistics==
{{updated|match played 5 October 2024}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soccerbase.com/managers/manager.sd?manager_id=3954|title=Veljko Paunovic {{!}} Managers|publisher=Soccerbase|access-date=3 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/coaches/veljko-paunovic/3803/|title=V. Paunovic|publisher=Soccerway|access-date=15 November 2019}}</ref>
{{updated|match played 1 December 2024}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soccerbase.com/managers/manager.sd?manager_id=3954|title=Veljko Paunovic {{!}} Managers|publisher=Soccerbase|access-date=3 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/coaches/veljko-paunovic/3803/|title=V. Paunovic|publisher=Soccerway|access-date=15 November 2019}}</ref>
{| class=wikitable style="text-align:center"
{| class=wikitable style="text-align:center"
|+ Coaching record by team and tenure
|+ Coaching record by team and tenure
Line 275: Line 276:
|align=left|9 June 2024
|align=left|9 June 2024
|align=left|present
|align=left|present
{{WDL|15|10|3|2|decimals=2}}
{{WDL|23|13|5|5|decimals=2}}
|-
|-
!colspan=3|Total
!colspan=3|Total
{{WDLtot|312|122|71|119|decimals=2}}
{{WDLtot|320|125|73|122|decimals=2}}
|}
|}


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{{Reading F.C. managers}}
{{Reading F.C. managers}}
{{C.D. Guadalajara managers}}
{{C.D. Guadalajara managers}}
{{Tigres UANL managers}}
}}
}}
{{Navboxes
{{Navboxes
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[[Category:Liga MX managers]]
[[Category:Liga MX managers]]
[[Category:C.D. Guadalajara managers]]
[[Category:C.D. Guadalajara managers]]
[[Category:Tigres UANL managers]]
[[Category:Serbia national under-20 football team managers]]
[[Category:Serbia national under-20 football team managers]]
[[Category:Serbian expatriate football managers]]
[[Category:Serbian expatriate football managers]]

Latest revision as of 19:34, 16 December 2024

Veljko Paunović
Paunović managing Chicago Fire in 2017
Personal information
Full name Veljko Paunović[1]
Date of birth (1977-08-21) 21 August 1977 (age 47)[1]
Place of birth Strumica, SFR Yugoslavia[1]
Height 1.84 m (6 ft 0 in)[1]
Position(s) Attacking midfielder, striker
Team information
Current team
Tigres UANL (head coach)
Youth career
1983–1994 Partizan
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1994–1995 Partizan 13 (1)
1995–2002 Atlético Madrid 52 (9)
1995–1996Marbella (loan) 20 (2)
1996–1998 Atlético Madrid B 22 (11)
1998–1999Mallorca (loan) 24 (5)
2001Oviedo (loan) 22 (4)
2001–2002Mallorca (loan) 33 (3)
2002–2003 Tenerife 38 (18)
2003–2005 Atlético Madrid 35 (6)
2005 Hannover 96 6 (0)
2005–2007 Getafe 44 (10)
2007 Rubin Kazan 16 (1)
2008 Almería 7 (2)
2008 Partizan 9 (1)
2011 Philadelphia Union 17 (3)
Total 358 (76)
International career
2002–2004 Serbia and Montenegro 2 (1)
Managerial career
2012–2014 Serbia U18
2013–2014 Serbia U19
2014–2015 Serbia U20
2015–2019 Chicago Fire
2020–2022 Reading
2023 Guadalajara
2024– Tigres UANL
Medal record
Men's football
Representing  Serbia (as manager)
FIFA U-20 World Cup
Winner 2015
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Veljko Paunović (Serbian Cyrillic: Вељко Пауновић, pronounced [ʋěːʎko paǔ:noʋitɕ]; born 21 August 1977) is a Serbian football manager and former player. He is the current head coach of Liga MX club Tigres UANL.

A versatile attacking unit, he could operate as an attacking midfielder or a striker, and spent most of his professional career in Spain where he represented eight clubs,[2] amassing La Liga totals of 212 matches and 38 goals over 11 seasons and having several spells with Atlético Madrid. Other than in his own country, he also played in Germany, Russia and the United States.[3]

Paunović began working as a manager in 2012, starting with Serbia's youth teams and later being in charge of Chicago Fire, Reading, Guadalajara and Tigres UANL.

Playing career

[edit]

Club

[edit]

Born in Strumica, Socialist Republic of Macedonia, Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Paunović made his professional debut at 17 with FK Partizan. The following summer he moved to Spain, where he would stay for most of the following decade playing for a host of clubs,[4] starting in the 1995–96 season with modest CA Marbella and reaching the 1998–99 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final with RCD Mallorca (with whom he scored five league goals in that campaign, to help the Balearic Islands team finish third),[5][6] as well as having three separate stints with Atlético Madrid.[7]

Paunović had his best year in 2002–03 with CD Tenerife in Segunda División, netting 18 times in 38 appearances although the insular side could only rank eighth.[8] After a return to Atlético and a brief stay in Germany with Hannover 96, he joined Getafe CF for 2005–06's top flight,[9] enjoying his finest season in La Liga by scoring ten goals in 30 league matches to help the Madrid outskirts club to the ninth place. Due to the years spent in the country, he received a Spanish passport in 2006.[10]

Paunović was signed by Russian Premier League's FC Rubin Kazan in March 2007, after falling out of favour with Getafe coach Bernd Schuster. The following year, he agreed a two-and-a-half-year deal with UD Almería in January.[10] His debut was a sour one, playing 20 minutes off the bench against Racing de Santander in a 1–0 away defeat, while also receiving two yellow cards in one minute (with the consequent dismissal).[11] He would score on two occasions towards the season's end, in a 4–2 away loss to former team Getafe[12] and in the last matchday, a 3–1 victory at RCD Espanyol.[13]

On 12 July 2008, Paunović signed a two-year deal with his former club Partizan.[14] On 13 August, he scored in a 2–2 draw with Turkey's Fenerbahçe SK in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League.[15] Before the end of the year, however, he announced his decision to retire from the game.[16]

On 29 June 2009, Paunović went on trial with the New York Red Bulls, but eventually turned down the one-year contract offer.[17] In June 2011, after nearly three years out of football, the 33-year-old signed a deal with another American club, Philadelphia Union, after a trial stint.[18] He scored his first goal with his new team late in the month, in a 3–2 win over Chivas USA.[19]

Paunović officially announced his retirement for the second time on 19 January 2012.[20]

International

[edit]

Paunović made his debut for Serbia and Montenegro in a 2–1 friendly win with Mexico, on 13 February 2002. His only other cap came two years later against Northern Ireland, another exhibition match, and he scored in the 1–1 draw in Belfast.[21]

Coaching career

[edit]

Serbia NT

[edit]

Paunović earned a UEFA PRO coaching licence and a sporting director degree from the Royal Spanish Football Federation. For nine months, he was a UEFA Champions League analyst for RTVE in Spain.[22]

Paunović began working as a manager with the Serbia national team, being in charge of their under-18, under-19 and under-20 sides. While with the latter, he won the 2015 FIFA World Cup.[23]

Chicago Fire

[edit]
Paunović at a U.S. Open Cup match away to Cincinnati in 2017

On 24 November 2015, Paunović was appointed head coach of Chicago Fire FC in Major League Soccer.[24] He led the team to the playoffs in 2017, which happened for the first time in five years.[22] In the same year, he coached in the All-Star Game against Real Madrid.[25]

Paunović also reached the semi-finals of the U.S. Open Cup in 2016 and 2018.[26][27] He and the Fire parted ways on 13 November 2019.[28]

Reading

[edit]

Paunović replaced Mark Bowen as manager of Reading on 29 August 2020.[29] On his EFL Championship debut on 12 September, the team won 2–0 at Derby County;[30] he ended September as the division's Manager of the Month for winning all three games.[31] They missed out on a playoff place with two games remaining, after a 2–2 draw against Swansea City at the Madejski Stadium.[32]

In November 2021, during Paunović's second season, the team received a six-point deduction for breaching profitability and sustainability rules across the previous three seasons.[33][34] The following January, the Royals were knocked out of the FA Cup in the third round by National League North side Kidderminster Harriers.[35]

Following a 3–2 away victory over Preston North End on 19 February 2022, Reading announced that Paunović had left his role by mutual consent.[36]

Guadalajara

[edit]

On 31 October 2022, Paunović was named manager at Liga MX club C.D. Guadalajara.[37] He made his debut the following 7 January in a 1–0 win at C.F. Monterrey.[38]

Paunović left in December 2023 by mutual agreement.[39]

Tigres UANL

[edit]

On 9 June 2024, Paunović became head coach of Tigres UANL in the same country and league.[40]

Personal life

[edit]

Paunović experienced hardships while training for football, such as walking for hours to practice and sometimes going without food.[41] His father, Blagoje, was also a footballer; a defender who inspired him, he too played for Partizan and represented Yugoslavia at UEFA Euro 1968, later embarking in a managerial career.[41]

Paunović is married and has four children.[42] He is fluent in six languages: English, Spanish, Serbian, Macedonian, Russian and German.[22]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[43][44][45][1][46]
Club Season League Cup Continental Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Partizan 1994–95 First League 13 1 5 0 0 0 18 1
Marbella (loan) 1995–96 Segunda División 20 2 0 0 0 0 20 2
Atlético Madrid B 1996–97 Segunda División 7 3 0 0 0 0 7 3
1997–98 Segunda División 15 8 0 0 0 0 15 8
Total 22 11 0 0 0 0 22 11
Atlético Madrid 1996–97 La Liga 16 1 2 0 1 0 19 1
1997–98 La Liga 14 6 2 0 3 0 19 6
1999–00 La Liga 30 7 4 0 4 0 38 7
2000–01 Segunda División 5 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
Total 52 9 4 0 7 1 63 10
Mallorca (loan) 1998–99 La Liga 24 5 0 0 6 1 30 6
Oviedo (loan) 2000–01 La Liga 22 4 0 0 0 0 22 4
Mallorca (loan) 2001–02 La Liga 33 3 0 0 8 0 41 3
Tenerife 2002–03 Segunda División 38 18 0 0 0 0 38 18
Atlético Madrid 2003–04 La Liga 25 6 2 1 0 0 27 7
2004–05 La Liga 10 0 2 0 3 2 15 2
Total 35 6 4 1 3 2 42 9
Hannover 2004–05 Bundesliga 6 0 1 0 0 0 7 0
Getafe 2005–06 La Liga 30 10 1 3 0 0 31 13
2006–07 La Liga 14 0 3 1 0 0 17 1
Total 44 10 4 4 0 0 48 14
Rubin Kazan 2007 Russian Premier League 16 1 2 1 0 0 18 2
Almería 2007–08 La Liga 7 2 0 0 0 0 7 2
Partizan 2008–09 Serbian SuperLiga 9 1 1 0 8 1 18 2
Philadelphia Union 2011 Major League Soccer 17 3 0 0 0 0 17 3
Career total 358 76 21 6 32 5 411 87

International goals

[edit]
Scores and results list Serbia and Montenegro's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Paunović goal.
List of international goals scored by Veljko Paunović
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 28 April 2004 Windsor Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland  Northern Ireland 1–0 1–1 Friendly[21]

Managerial statistics

[edit]
As of match played 1 December 2024[47][48]
Coaching record by team and tenure
Team From To Record
P W D L Win %
Serbia U20/U19/U18 1 October 2012 30 June 2015 16 10 3 3 062.50
Chicago Fire 24 November 2015 13 November 2019 148 46 39 63 031.08
Reading 29 August 2020 19 February 2022 83 29 18 36 034.94
Guadalajara 31 October 2022 15 December 2023 50 27 8 15 054.00
Tigres UANL 9 June 2024 present 23 13 5 5 056.52
Total 320 125 73 122 039.06

Honours

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Manager

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Serbia

Individual

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "Veljko PAUNOVIC". El Mundo (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 13 February 2013. Retrieved 9 July 2009.
  2. ^ Vujcic, Djuradj (29 March 2012). "Inside the MLS: Veljko Paunovic". RedNation Online. Archived from the original on 23 January 2024. Retrieved 30 March 2012.
  3. ^ Herrán, Alfonso (11 December 2022). "Veljko Paunovic: "Ojalá siga el Cholo, pero me gustaría ver a Luis Enrique en el Atlético de Madrid"" [Veljko Paunovic: "Hopefully Cholo will continue, but I would like to see Luis Enrique at Atlético de Madrid"]. Diario AS (in Spanish). Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  4. ^ "Paunovic poised for Getafe switch". UEFA. 10 May 2005. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  5. ^ Segurola, Santiago (20 May 1999). "El Mallorca pierde con orgullo" [Mallorca lose proudly]. El País (in Spanish). Retrieved 28 January 2016.
  6. ^ Mazarrasa, Gonzalo (6 August 2009). "Paunovic: "Cumplí varios sueños en el Mallorca, y estaré agradecido eternamente"" [Paunovic: "I fulfilled several dreams with Mallorca, and I'll thank them forever"] (in Spanish). RCDM. Archived from the original on 5 September 2009. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
  7. ^ "Atlético and Paunovic part company". UEFA. 24 January 2005. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  8. ^ "Jesús Perera, Pichichi 2003 en Segunda" [Jesús Perera, 2003 Pichichi in Segunda]. Marca (in Spanish). 29 June 2003. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  9. ^ "El Getafe de Schuster es reforça amb el davanter serbi Veljko Paunovic" [Schuster's Getafe bolster with Serbian forward Veljko Paunovic] (in Catalan). Televisió de Catalunya. 18 July 2005. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
  10. ^ a b "Paunovic ficha por el Almería" [Paunovic signs for Almería]. El Día (in Spanish). 19 January 2008. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
  11. ^ Gutiérrez, José Gabriel (25 February 2008). "Paunovic: "Es muy indignante que esto suceda en el fútbol español"" [Paunovic: "It's outrageous this can happen in Spanish football"]. Ideal (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 29 February 2012. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
  12. ^ "Getafe 4–2 Almeria". ESPN Soccernet. 7 May 2008. Archived from the original on 26 October 2012. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
  13. ^ "Espanyol 1–3 Almeria". ESPN Soccernet. 18 May 2008. Archived from the original on 26 October 2012. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
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  16. ^ Loaiza, Alfonso (15 December 2010). "Entrevista Paunovic: "Quiero la mentalidad ganadora de Mourinho, y la lucidez de Guardiola"" [Paunovic interview: "I want Mourinho's winner mindset, and Guardiola's lucidity"] (in Spanish). Goal. Retrieved 14 April 2022.
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  18. ^ "Union sign Serbian forward Veljko Paunović". Philadelphia Union. 13 June 2011. Archived from the original on 15 June 2011. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
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  24. ^ "Chicago Fire Soccer Club hires Veljko Paunovic as head coach". Chicago Fire. 24 November 2015. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
  25. ^ Corrigan, Dermot (1 August 2017). "Veljko Paunovic already making most of opportunity in MLS". ESPN. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
  26. ^ Edwards, Andy (9 August 2016). "NE Revs top Chicago Fire, book place in 2016 US Open Cup final". NBC Sports. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
  27. ^ Rodriguez, Alicia (8 August 2018). "Philadelphia Union 3, Chicago Fire 0 | 2018 US Open Cup Match Recap". Major League Soccer. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
  28. ^ "Chicago Fire part ways with head coach Veljko Paunovic". Chicago Fire. 13 November 2019. Retrieved 13 November 2019.
  29. ^ "Veljko Paunovic: Reading appoint Serbian as manager, replacing Mark Bowen". BBC Sport. 29 August 2020. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  30. ^ Preston, Andy (12 September 2020). "Derby County 0–2 Reading: Goals from Joao and Ejaria give Paunović's Royals the perfect start". Wokingham Today. Archived from the original on 11 February 2022. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
  31. ^ a b Joy, Matt (8 October 2020). "Reading FC boss nomimated for Manager of the Month award". The Reading Chronicle. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
  32. ^ Vincent, Gareth (25 April 2021). "Reading 2–2 Swansea City". BBC Sport. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
  33. ^ Fisher, Ben (17 November 2021). "Reading agree six-point deduction with EFL for breaching financial rules". The Guardian. Retrieved 2 February 2022.
  34. ^ Warlow, Robert (19 November 2021). "Veljko Paunovic sends defiant message to Reading FC fans after confirmation of points deduction". Get Reading. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
  35. ^ Nurick, Benjy (8 January 2022). ""I will turn this around." Reading FC manager insists he is right man for the job". The Reading Chronicle. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
  36. ^ "Club statement | Royals part company with Veljko Paunovic by mutual consent". Reading F.C. 19 February 2022. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
  37. ^ "Veljko Paunovic: Chivas' new head coach". C.D. Guadalajara. 31 October 2022. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
  38. ^ "Paunovic en Chivas comenzó con el pie derecho ante Monterrey" [Paunović starts off on the right foot at Chivas against Monterrey]. El Diario de Coahuila (in Spanish). 7 January 2023. Retrieved 24 April 2023.
  39. ^ "Press release". C.D. Guadalajara. 15 December 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2023.
  40. ^ "Tigres hace oficial la llegada de Veljko Paunović como DT" [Tigres make Veljko Paunović's arrival as HC official] (in Spanish). ESPN Mexico. 9 June 2024. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
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  43. ^ Veljko Paunović at BDFutbol
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  45. ^ "Veljko Paunovic". Footballdatabase. Retrieved 21 March 2015.
  46. ^ "Veljko Paunović" (in Serbian). Partizanopedia. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  47. ^ "Veljko Paunovic | Managers". Soccerbase. Retrieved 3 October 2018.
  48. ^ "V. Paunovic". Soccerway. Retrieved 15 November 2019.
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