After 24 long years, Real Oviedo is back in La Liga, and at the helm is a familiar figure to the club's faithful: Veljko Paunović. The Serbian coach, who once donned Oviedo's iconic blue shirt as a player, has guided the Asturian club through a dramatic and unforgettable journey back to Spain's top flight, marking a significant milestone in both his diverse career and the club's storied history.
While perhaps not a household name in every corner of European football, Paunović is a coach who has steadily built a reputation for tactical acumen, an unwavering winning mentality, and a unique ability to inspire teams across various leagues and continents. This blog post will delve into the multifaceted career of Veljko Paunović, exploring his diverse playing background, his impressive coaching trajectory marked by youth international success and challenges across continents, and ultimately, how he orchestrated Real Oviedo's long-awaited return to La Liga.
From the Pitch to the Dugout: Paunović's Playing Career and Coaching Genesis
Veljko Paunović's football journey began on the pitch, where he established himself as a versatile and determined attacking midfielder or striker.
Professional Playing Career: His career spanned numerous clubs and countries, reflecting a true journeyman's path. He played for prominent clubs like Partizan Belgrade in Serbia, and notably had multiple spells at Atlético Madrid in Spain, showcasing his quality in La Liga. A particularly poignant detail for Oviedo fans is his loan spell at Real Oviedo during the 2000-2001 season, a period that forged a sentimental connection now blossoming into managerial success. He also played for Mallorca, Tenerife, Getafe, Almería in Spain, as well as stints in Germany (Hannover 96), Russia, and the USA (Philadelphia Union). Amassing over 200 La Liga appearances, his playing career provided him with invaluable insights into the tactical and mental demands of top-level football.
Transition to Coaching: Early Steps and Youth Success: Upon retirement, Paunović seamlessly transitioned into coaching, beginning with the Serbian national youth teams (U18 and U19). It was here that he truly announced his arrival as a promising coach. His defining achievement in youth football came in 2015, when he led the Serbia U20 team to win the FIFA U-20 World Cup. This monumental success, beating Brazil in the final, showcased his ability to nurture young talent, implement effective strategies, and win on the biggest international stage.
A Global Coaching Odyssey: Experience Across Continents
Paunović's managerial career has been anything but conventional, with diverse experiences shaping his pragmatic and adaptable approach.
Major League Soccer (MLS) with Chicago Fire (2015-2019): His first senior club role saw him move to the United States. He took charge of Chicago Fire, leading them to the playoffs in 2017 for the first time in five years. This experience in a developing football league allowed him to adapt to its unique challenges, including salary caps and differing player profiles.
English Championship with Reading FC (2020-2022): Next, he ventured into the highly competitive and physically demanding English Championship. He navigated the league's relentless schedule and high pressure, initially leading Reading to a strong start before facing financial constraints towards the end of his tenure. This stint further honed his ability to compete in a demanding, results-driven environment.
Mexican Liga MX (Chivas and Tigres UANL) (2022-2025): Before his return to Spain, Paunović took on significant roles in Mexico's passionate Liga MX. He managed two of the country's biggest clubs, Chivas (Guadalajara) and Tigres UANL. He notably reached a Liga MX final with Chivas in his very first season (Clausura 2023), demonstrating his rapid adaptability to a new culture and high-pressure environment. He continued to show success with Tigres UANL, further solidifying his reputation for delivering results in competitive leagues.
The Real Oviedo Homecoming and La Liga Triumph (2024/25 Season)
The story of Veljko Paunović and Real Oviedo's promotion is one of dramatic impact and emotional connection.
Appointment at Real Oviedo (March 2025): Paunović rejoined his former club at a crucial juncture in March 2025, replacing Javi Calleja with just 10 matches remaining in the Segunda División season. It was a sentimental return of a former player, now tasked with a clear, high-stakes mission: securing a promotion playoff spot.
The Unbeaten Run to the Playoffs: His immediate impact was nothing short of sensational. Paunović guided Oviedo through an unbeaten final 10 regular-season matches (7 wins, 3 draws), a remarkable turnaround that propelled them from mid-table obscurity to a coveted 3rd-place finish in Segunda División. This immediate positive impact showcased his tactical effectiveness and motivational prowess.
Promotion Playoff Glory: The playoffs are a brutal test of nerves, but Oviedo, under Paunović, thrived.
Semi-final: They overcame a formidable opponent in Almería, who despite finishing lower in the league, boasted the highest-valued squad in the Segunda. Oviedo's tactical discipline and resilience saw them through.
Final: The ultimate hurdle was Mirandés. After a tense first leg, Oviedo secured a famous 3-2 aggregate victory with a thrilling 3-1 win at home in the second leg at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere. This dramatic triumph ended Real Oviedo's 24-year absence from La Liga, triggering wild celebrations across Asturias.
Veljko Paunović's Coaching Philosophy: Attacking Intent with Pragmatic Control
Paunović's managerial style is a blend of his playing experience and lessons learned from his diverse coaching journey.
Tactical Preferences: He favors an attacking mentality, aiming to create numerous scoring opportunities. He often utilizes a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing efficient transitions and direct play. While he seeks central overloads and often deploys an attacking playmaker, he has also shown tactical flexibility, as evidenced by his use of a 3-4-2-1 at Reading. His teams are known for their intensity and disciplined structure.
Player Development & Motivation: His success with the Serbian U20 team winning the World Cup clearly highlights his ability to develop young talent and integrate them into a winning system. He focuses on fostering a strong collective spirit and belief within the squad, crucial for navigating the highs and lows of a long season.
Adaptability and Resilience: Paunović has proven his ability to adapt his methods to different leagues, cultures, and club situations – from youth international football to various senior leagues (MLS, Championship, Liga MX), and now a high-pressure promotion push back in Spain. This adaptability is a core strength.
Consolidating Oviedo's La Liga Status
While the promotion celebration reverberates throughout Asturias, Veljko Paunović and Real Oviedo face a formidable challenge.
The Immense Step Up: The competitive leap from Segunda División to La Liga is significant. Oviedo will need to quickly adjust to the faster pace, superior individual quality, and tactical sophistication of Spain's top flight.
Strategic Squad Building: Smart and effective recruitment will be paramount. The club must make astute transfers to strengthen the squad in key areas, retaining their core talent while bringing in players capable of competing against La Liga's giants.
The Goal: La Liga Survival: The primary objective for Real Oviedo and Paunović in the 2025/26 season will be to establish themselves and avoid an immediate return to the second tier. This will test the manager's strategic depth and his team's resilience like never before.
A New Era for Real Oviedo Under a Dynamic Leader
Veljko Paunović's remarkable journey, culminating in the historic promotion of Real Oviedo, is a testament to his dedication, tactical nous, and proven ability to inspire teams. His blend of playing experience, international success, and diverse club management makes him a fascinating and dynamic figure in the coaching world. He has brought Real Oviedo back to where they truly belong. The story of Paunović and Oviedo is a powerful narrative of ambition realized, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in La Liga, where a beloved club and its returning hero will aim not just to participate, but to thrive.