OptiNews - Friday 23 to Thursday 29 June 2017

Southampton Football Club
61

Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

In Profile: Mauricio Pellegrino

Show/hide article…

Born on 5th October 1971 in Leones, Argentina, new Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino moves for his first managerial role in England, but he is no stranger to these shores.

A distinguished professional player career began at Vélez Sarsfield, where the defender helped the club to four league titles as well as two cup successes.

His first foray into Europe’s top divisions came with a loan spell at Barcelona under the stewardship of Louis Van Gaal, before a permanent transfer to Valencia in 1999.

At the Mestalla, he proved to be integral alongside Roberto Ayala at the heart of defence, helping the side to two La Liga titles in 2002 and 2004 with Rafa Benitez as manager.

Pellegrino also won the 2004 UEFA Cup with the Spanish side with a 2-0 success against Marseille in the final, in a side that conceded just five goals throughout that European campaign.

Having amassed over 200 appearances at Valencia and reaching two Champions League finals, he would follow Benitez to Anfield on a short-term deal, making 13 appearances before returning to end his career at Alavés.

In 2008, Pellegrino returned to Merseyside as assistant to his former boss where he remained until 2010 when the pair moved to Internazionale.

With his stock continuing to rise, he replaced Unai Emery at Valencia in May 2012, but was relieved of his duties despite a win percentage of 47.62% and four points off a Champions League spot.

He moved back to his native Argentina for spells with Estudiantes and Independiente, before being appointed manager of newly-promoted Alavés.

Pellegrino is close friends with compatriot and former Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino and during their time on a coaching course in Spain 11 years ago, the pair would simulate game situations with salt and pepper pots in the canteen.

And such meticulous studying of the game over a number of years helped him guide an Alavés side tipped for relegation to a ninth-place finish, including a 2-1 away win at Barcelona, and a Copa del Rey cup final, where they lost to the same opponents.

Go to the original article…

...grandly made by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
62

Sourced from BBC article

Mauricio Pellegrino: Southampton appoint former Alaves boss as manager

Show/hide article…

Southampton have appointed Mauricio Pellegrino as their new manager.

The 45-year-old Argentine replaces Claude Puel, who was sacked earlier this month after one season in charge.

Pellegrino stood down as Alaves manager in late May, after losing the Spanish Cup final to Barcelona and finishing ninth in La Liga with a club that had been promoted the season before.

“My philosophy and the culture of the club will work well,” said Pellegrino, who has signed a three-year deal.

"I want to win matches, be successful and develop a team spirit where everyone gives 100% and supports each other.

“I am excited and passionate about what the future holds.”

Southampton vice-chairman Les Reed said former Liverpool defender Pellegrino “impressed us with his depth of knowledge, motivation and ability”, adding he “quickly became our first choice”.

“While he had other options, we are delighted he feels that St Mary’s is the right place for him,” he added.

Saints finished eighth in the Premier League last season, losing 16 games, and also reached the EFL Cup final, their first major final since 2003.

Puel was the third manager to leave in the past three years, following Mauricio Pochettino’s departure for Tottenham and Ronald Koeman’s move to Everton.

His side were beaten 3-2 by Manchester United in the EFL Cup final in February, and they ended the season with just one win from their final eight league matches.

Pellegrino previously worked at Independiente and Estudiantes in Argentina, joining the latter after he was sacked by Valencia - his first job in management - following seven months in charge.

Prior to his appointment by the Spanish club in May 2012, Pellegrino worked as a coach under Rafael Benitez at Liverpool (2008-2010) and Inter Milan (2010).

As a player, he made 13 appearances for Liverpool in 2005 after being signed by Benitez, who he also played for during six years at Valencia from 1999.

He had arrived at Valencia from Velez Sarsfield, following a loan spell at Barcelona the year before.

He made three appearances for Argentina over the course of a 16-year career as a central defender that ended at Alaves in 2006.

Go to the original article…

...flourishingly brought to pass by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
63

Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

2017/18 Official Membership on sale

Show/hide article…

Official Members will receive priority access to match tickets during the 2017/18 campaign as well as a range of enhanced benefits.

Adult Members will now be able to save £5 on two Premier League fixtures of their choice, as well as priority for all 19 Premier League games, home cup games and away fixtures after Season Ticket holders. For a full list of benefits, click here.

And the Junior Membership packages have also been enhanced! Young supporters will receive an improved welcome pack with three age brackets ensuring you get more than ever before. Find out more here.

A 2017/18 Official Membership can be purchased by clicking here. Alternatively, call 02381 780780 or visit the St Mary’s Ticket Office.

Go to the original article…

...pantingly dreamed up by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
64

Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 23/06/2017 19:24:19

|

1600×1067 939 KB
| Southampton name Mauricio Pellegrino as new manager on three-year dealIBTIMES |
| | Southampton appoint Mauricio Pellegrino as new managerBTSPORT |
| | Virgil van Dijk and Chelsea - what happens next?FOOTBALLLONDON |
| | Ezequiel Garay - An Alternative to Virgil Van Dijk for Liverpool?KOPLEFT |
| | What Conte’s quest for a centre-back could mean for Azpilicueta next seasonFOOTBALLLONDON |

...deafly pieced together by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
65

Sourced from Premier League - Official Site article

Pellegrino named as Southampton manager

860×573 35.9 KB

Show/hide article…

Southampton have announced Mauricio Pellegrino as their new manager.

The 45-year-old has signed a three-year deal at St Mary’s Stadium to succeed Claude Puel, who departed the club last week after one season in charge.

“I am really happy to become the new coach of Southampton Football Club,” Pellegrino told southamptonfc.com.

“The club has a great reputation for having a strong and stable structure, competing in the Premier League and playing attractive football. I think my philosophy and the culture of the club will work well together.”

Pellegrino joins after guiding previous club Alaves to a ninth-place finish in LaLiga and the final of the Copa del Rey.

The Argentinian’s first Premier League match will be at home to Swansea City on the opening weekend of 2017/18.

Go to the original article…

...vengefully fabricated by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
66

Sourced from Daily Mail article

Southampton appoint Mauricio Pellegrino as their new manager

Show/hide article…

Southampton have confirmed Mauricio Pellegrino as their new manager.

The 45-year-old, who has signed a three-year contract, replaces Claude Puel who was sacked earlier in June.

Pellegrino has been tasked with ensuring the side returns to playing attractive attacking football that they lost under Puel, who, despite leading Southampton to the EFL Cup final last season, grew unpopular with players and supporters due to his tactics.

The Argentinian has also vowed to continue the club’s policy of developing young players from their academy, which also slipped under their former manager.

Pellegrino will officially join the club next week and will meet the players when they return for pre-season assessment on Thursday.

Last season, he led newly-promoted Alaves to the Spanish Cup final, where they lost to Barcelona, and a ninth-place finish in La Liga. He has twice coached under Rafa Benitez at Liverpool — who he also made 13 appearances for as a player in 2005 — and Inter Milan.

Southampton were interested in Frank De Boer, who they also considered last summer, but he opted to enter further negotiations with Crystal Palace, while they were keen on former Borussia Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel, but he informed them he has ambitions to lead a club in the Champions League.

Southampton vice chairman Les Reed said: ‘I am delighted that after a diligent selection process we have recruited Mauricio Pellegrino as our new First Team Manager. We had an impressive list of candidates and went through a comprehensive interview process.

'Mauricio impressed us throughout with his depth of knowledge, motivation and ability, communicating this in a professional and passionate way. We firmly believe Mauricio is the right person to help us take the next steps. He knows our players and believes we have a great squad that with some fine-tuning will be able to deliver continued success.

‘Mauricio believes with the quality we have we can play exciting, attacking football, taking the game to our opponents by playing a high-intensity game. He will continue to develop and introduce young players whilst building on the core of experience that we have in the squad.

‘During the recruitment process Mauricio quickly became our first choice and, while he had other options, we are delighted he feels that St Mary’s is the right place for him and we believe he is the right fit for us.’

Pellegrino said: ‘I am really happy to become the new coach of Southampton. The club has a great reputation for having a strong and stable structure, competing in the Premier League and playing attractive football.

‘I think my philosophy and the culture of the club will work well together. We have to be a team on and off the pitch; I want to make the supporters proud of the players and to feel part of the game every week.

'I want to win matches, be successful and develop a team spirit where everyone gives 100 per cent and supports each other. I am excited and passionate about what the future holds for us and look forward to meeting the players and beginning our preparation for the new season.’

Go to the original article…

...berserkly coined by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
67

Sourced from Sky Sports article

Southampton appoint Mauricio Pellegrino as new manager

1920×1080 74.2 KB

Show/hide article…

Southampton have appointed Mauricio Pellegrino as their new manager on a three-year deal.

The 45-year-old, who left his role as boss of La Liga side Alaves in May, was under consideration along with Dutchman Frank de Boer, who has been offered the Crystal Palace job, according to Sky sources.

In Argentinian Pellegrino, Saints vice-chairman Les Reed believes they have found someone who fits seamlessly with the Southampton philosophy after a disappointing campaign with Frenchman Claude Puel at the helm.

Reed said: "We had an impressive list of candidates and went through a comprehensive interview process.

"Mauricio impressed us throughout with his depth of knowledge, motivation and ability, communicating this in a professional and passionate way.

"He has an excellent understanding of the Southampton way, and his style of play and aspiration matches the philosophy, culture and ambition of the club.

“We firmly believe Mauricio is the right person to help us take the next steps. He knows our players and believes we have a great squad that, with some fine-tuning, will be able to deliver continued success.”

Pellegrino said: "The club has a great reputation for having a strong and stable structure, competing in the Premier League and playing attractive football.

“I think my philosophy and the culture of the club will work well together. I am excited and passionate about what the future holds for us and look forward to meeting the players and beginning our preparation for the new season.”

Pellegrino’s familiarity with Premier League football is drawn from his time as a player at Liverpool and then as assistant manager at Anfield to Rafa Benitez for a time, before following the current Newcastle boss to Inter.

Pellegrino was handed his first managerial role as Unai Emery’s successor at Valencia in 2012 but he lasted just six months before he was sacked, and then he returned to his native Argentina.

After spells with Estudiantes and Independiente he took over at Alaves last summer and led them to a ninth-place finish and their first ever Copa del Rey final, where they were beaten by Barcelona.

Go to the original article…

...uncharitably cobbled together by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
68

Sourced from Optimus trousers’ RSS Feed rss feed

Read Southampton

New content from (- Read Southampton)

| Five facts about new Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino | As Southampton confirm they have appointed Mauricio Pellegrino as their new manager, here are five facts to help you … 23-06-2017 |

Older content…

| Twitter Reacts - Saints appoint Pellegrino19 hours ago |
| Pellegrino delighted to join Southampton19 hours ago |
| Southampton appoint Mauricio Pellegrino as new manager19 hours ago |
| Juventus enquire for key Southampton full-back19 hours ago |
| Chelsea make €68m offer to sign Virgil van Dijk2 days ago |
| Mauricio Pellegrino to sign three-year deal with Southampton2 days ago |
| Palace offer job to Saints target De Boer2 days ago |
| Redmond backs English talent at Southampton2 days ago |
| Fenerbahce set to beat Southampton to Emre Mor2 days ago |

...resolvedly instituted by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
69

Sourced from Daily Mail article

Transfer news LIVE: Latest from Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea and more

Show/hide article…

Merseyside have been quick out of the blocks to do their summer business, with Liverpool following Everton’s transfer splurge by signing Mohamed Salah for £39million.

But the transfer deals, news and stories are from done - and that includes at Anfield who have joined the race for Monaco hotshot Kylian Mbappe.

Matteo Darmain is also looking for a move away from Manchester United as we bring you all the latest updates live throughout the day.

Go to the original article…

...romantically brought to pass by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
70

Sourced from Daily Echo article

STATEMENT IN FULL: Saints’ Pellegrino announcement

2400×1600 217 KB

Show/hide article…

Saints have today confirmed Mauricio Pellegrino as their new manager.

Here is their statement in full:

Southampton Football Club is delighted to announce it has appointed Mauricio Pellegrino as its new First Team Manager.

The 45-year-old has agreed a three-year contract at St Mary’s and will officially join up with the club next week, in time for the start of pre-season training.

Vice Chairman (Football) Les Reed said: “I am delighted that after a diligent selection process we have recruited Mauricio Pellegrino as our new First Team Manager.

“We had an impressive list of candidates and went through a comprehensive interview process. Mauricio impressed us throughout with his depth of knowledge, motivation and ability, communicating this in a professional and passionate way.

“He has an excellent understanding of the Southampton Way, and his style of play and aspiration matches the philosophy, culture and ambition of the club.

“We firmly believe Mauricio is the right person to help us take the next steps. He knows our players and believes we have a great squad that with some fine-tuning will be able to deliver continued success.

“Mauricio believes with the quality we have we can play exciting, attacking football, taking the game to our opponents by playing a high-intensity game. He will continue to develop and introduce young players whilst building on the core of experience that we have in the squad.

“During the recruitment process Mauricio quickly became our first choice and, while he had other options, we are delighted he feels that St Mary’s is the right place for him and we believe he is the right fit for us. We are looking forward to working with Mauricio to take the club forward and achieve more success with this team.”

Mauricio Pellegrino said: “I am really happy to become the new coach of Southampton Football Club. The club has a great reputation for having a strong and stable structure, competing in the Premier League and playing attractive football.

“I think my philosophy and the culture of the club will work well together. We have to be a team on and off the pitch; I want to make the supporters proud of the players and to feel part of the game every week. I want to win matches, be successful and develop a team spirit where everyone gives 100 per cent and supports each other.

“I am excited and passionate about what the future holds for us and look forward to meeting the players and beginning our preparation for the new season.”

Go to the original article…

...sinisterly synergised by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
71

Sourced from Daily Echo article

Saints name Mauricio Pellegrino as new manager

2400×1600 301 KB

Show/hide article…

Saints have appointed Mauricio Pellegrino as their new manager on a three-year contract.

The 45-year-old Argentinian takes over at St Mary’s ahead of the new season following the sacking of Claude Puel.

Pellegrino’s appointment ends a month of uncertainty since the end of the last campaign, in which Saints finished eighth and reached the EFL Cup final but later took the decision to dispense with Puel.

Pellegrino’s track record as a manager shows stints at Valencia in Spain, Estudiantes and Independiente in Argentina and, most recently, a season at Alaves, again in Spain.

He produced an admirable result for Alaves, guiding them to ninth in La Liga and the Copa Del Ray final, where they lost to Barcelona.

Saints shortlisted both Frank De Boer and Markus Weinzierl, but were most impressed by Pellegrino.

His philosophy and vision matched with that of Les Reed, who wants Saints to play attacking football, work within their means to progress and focus on the development of young players.

Reed said: “Mauricio believes with the quality we have we can play exciting, attacking football, taking the game to our opponents by playing a high-intensity game. He will continue to develop and introduce young players whilst building on the core of experience that we have in the squad.”

Pellegrino added: “I think my philosophy and the culture of the club will work well together. We have to be a team on and off the pitch; I want to make the supporters proud of the players and to feel part of the game every week. I want to win matches, be successful and develop a team spirit where everyone gives 100 per cent and supports each other.”

Pellegrino will arrive in Southampton to formally start work next week, and will meet his players for the first time on Thursday when they return for pre-season fitness testing.

Go to the original article…

...flashingly sculpted by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
72

Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 23/06/2017 20:24:37

| | ‘What a signing’, ‘Mixed feelings’ … Southampton fans react to huge club announcementFOOTBALLFANCAST |
|

1200×800
| Southampton appoint Mauricio Pellegrino as managerSBNATIONSTMARYSMUSINGS |
| | Pellegrino delighted to join SouthamptonREADSOUTHAMPTON |
| | Chelsea Transfer News: Nathan Ake could make way for Virgil van Dijk at ChelseaGOALDOTCOM |

...tormentedly cast by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
73

Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

:speech_balloon: #SaintPellegrino

#SaintsFC’s Les Reed on the appointment of Mauricio Pellegrino as the club’s new manager:

1600×900 241 KB

Retweets: 18

Favourites: 77

...flavourlessly instituted by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
74

Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Win a 2017/18 home shirt signed by Mauricio Pellegrino

1050×590 99.3 KB

Show/hide article…

I would like to receive information and special offers from Southampton Football Club and our commercial partners. We will never send you anything that we don’t feel is relevant to you and you will have the opportunity to unsubscribe at any time

Go to the original article…

...brittlely brought into being by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
75

Sourced from Daily Echo article

Five things about Mauricio Pellegrino

2400×3571 577 KB

Show/hide article…

Southampton have named Argentinian Mauricio Pellegrino as Claude Puel’s successor as manager.

Here, Press Association Sport looks at the 45-year-old’s career.

He is not new to the Premier League having spent two years as assistant manager at Liverpool under Rafael Benitez from 2008-10. Prior to that he also had a brief playing stint at Anfield, making 13 appearances in the 2004-05 season - again under Benitez, his former manager at Valencia.

Pellegrino comes to Southampton after an impressive spell with Alaves, who he guided to ninth in LaLiga and the final of the Copa del Rey last season. His appointment at Southampton comes after he was also linked with Watford and Crystal Palace.

Pellegrino, a defender and holder of three Argentina caps, enjoyed the best years of his playing career at Valencia. He helped the club to Champions League finals in 2000 and 2001, and LaLiga titles in 2002 and 2004.

Born in Cordoba, Argentina, on October 5, 1971, Pellegrino made his name with Buenos Aires club Velez Sarsfield. He won four league titles there before moving to Europe with Barcelona in 1998.

Pellegrino’s first senior managerial position came at Valencia in 2012 but he lasted just six months. He continued his career back in his native Argentina with Estudiantes and Independiente before taking over at Alaves last summer.

Go to the original article…

...masculinely given breath to by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
76

Sourced from Sky Sports article

Balague: Pellegrino similar to Pochettino!

768×432 50.8 KB

Show/hide article…

Spanish football expert Guillem Balague says there are many similarities between Southampton’s new manager Mauricio Pellegrino and former boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Go to the original article…

...bountifully brought into being by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
77

Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 23/06/2017 21:24:44

| | TV ! Pellegrino Reaction - Southampton NewsTHEUGLYINSIDE |
| | Twitter Reacts - Saints appoint PellegrinoREADSOUTHAMPTON |
| | Saints Announce New Manager ! - Southampton NewsTHEUGLYINSIDE |
| | Chelsea’s move for Van Dijk may result in the club losing a player this summerGIVEMESPORT |
| | Spurs fans brilliantly troll Saints’ Pellegrino appointmentFOOTBALLLONDON |

...intolerantly fathered by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
78

Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Will you be #InThatNumber with Mauricio Pellegrino next season?

Secure your 2017/18 #SaintsFC Season Ticket now: http://sfcne.ws/STGS1718

Retweets: 2

Favourites: 24

...erectly sculpted by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
79

Sourced from Sky Sports article

Mauricio Pellegrino’s appointment as Southampton manager will reignite fans, Matt Le Tissier says

768×432 56.7 KB

Show/hide article…

Matt Le Tissier believes Southampton’s decision to name Mauricio Pellegrino as their manager will reignite hope in the club’s fan base ahead of the new season.

Le Tissier, who claimed the club had taken a “backwards step” under Claude Puel last season, hopes Pellegrino can bring back the fast-paced style of play which brought so much success for the Saints.

Le Tissier also believes the new Argentinian manager could do worse than to take a leaf out of his compatriot and former Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino in how he sets his new side up.

“Very much so,” Le Tissier told Sky Sports News HQ. "Obviously, Mauricio’s [Pochettino] done very well for himself, he set up a team that was very energetic, entertaining to watch. There weren’t many dull moments.

“That’s the kind of thing the Southampton board were looking for just to reignite the fan base again because a lot of Southampton fans towards the end of last season became disenchanted with the style of play more than anything else.”

Puel took Southampton to eighth place and the EFL Cup final, where they lost to Manchester United at Wembley, but Le Tissier thinks Pellegrino’s main initial goal will be to replicate the style of performances under recent previous managers.

"The eighth place was great but it was a lot of points less than last season. The cup final was great but I think ultimately the Southampton fans thought, ‘yes we like winning, we like getting to cup finals but we also like to get entertained’ and that was the main thing for me.

"I would imagine his remit would be the top-eight which is where we have finished for the last four seasons, it was great to get to a cup final which we narrowly missed out on.

"Probably the biggest thing would be to maybe add a little more creativity in the way we play. A little more of the high pressing that we became accustomed to over a few seasons with [Mauricio] Pochettino and with Ronald Koeman.

“That’s what the club are looking for - somebody who can take the club back to the way we were playing before last season.”

The former Southampton midfielder sees the decision as in keeping with recent managerial appointments and believes Southampton supporters will be looking forward to his management.

“It’s a very typical Southampton appointment over the last few years,” added Le Tissier. “If he is going to be as successful as most of the other ones then I am sure every Southampton fan will be looking forward to him.”

Go to the original article…

...dividedly manufactured by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!
80

Sourced from Sky Sports article

Guillem Balague says Mauricio Pellegrino ‘perfect fit’ for Southampton

1920×1080 74.2 KB

Show/hide article…

Spanish football expert and Sky Sports pundit Guillem Balague believes newly-appointed Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino is a “perfect fit” for the club.

Saints announced on Friday the appointment of the former Alaves and Valencia boss as successor to Claude Puel, who was sacked after one season in charge despite leading Southampton to the EFL Cup final and an eighth-place finish in the Premier League.

Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ, Balague expressed admiration for the Argentinian, who led Alaves to a top-half finish in La Liga and a Copa del Rey final against Barcelona last season before resigning in May.

“Look at the situation that he had at Alaves when he arrived in the summer - 18 new players, he had to win and he had to make sure that Alaves didn’t go down,” Balague said.

"What they got from him was a guy with tactical versatility. He made the team play with three at the back, with four at the back - sometimes attacking with one, sometimes with two.

“He made every single player in that squad involved in proceedings. Everybody felt important and everybody got better.”

Balague feels confident Southampton players will flourish under Pellegrino’s guidance and believes the 45-year-old will get the best out of each and every one of his squad.

“Everybody got better under him. His tactical flexibility and a good management of the squad, maximising the potential of the squad,” he added.

"He just had the perfect season and of course he managed to get to the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona. "

Similarities are likely to be drawn between Pellegrino and fellow Argentinian Mauricio Pochettino, who managed the Saints during the 2013/14 campaign before going on to take the helm at Tottenham the following season.

Both are considered to favour a high-pressing, attacking style of football, and Balague says the pair are likely to have spoken about the club.

“I get the impression they have spoken. I’m pretty sure they’ve spoken about Southampton of course,” he added.

“Pellegrino tried to find out more about the club and Pochettino speaks very highly of the club. He left in very, very high regard.”

Balague is impressed with Southampton’s managerial selection process and feels the former Liverpool defender has been waiting for the right opportunity to move to the Premier League.

“Do you know what is common here? The selection process. For me, Southampton have one of the most professional, thorough and forward-thinking selection processes for managers in the world,” he said.

"It’s normal that they’ve taken a while to actually choose the one that they wanted and, after they’ve done that, speak for long enough to the man to realise he’s the one that they wanted.

"That’s the thing in common with Southampton. Yet again they’ve chosen a very clever, very intelligent, young and ambitious manager.

“He told his representatives he wanted to go to the Premier League. Crystal Palace were interested in him, Southampton were interested him and it was a choice at some point from him what he wanted more. I’ve got the impression that Southampton offers a lot of possibilities.”

Balague believes Pellegrino, who worked alongside Rafael Benitez at Liverpool as first-team coach before the pair moved to Inter Milan in 2010, has a thorough understanding of the task asked of him as he prepares for next season.

“It’s a young team with a lot of developing players, which is another thing that he likes,” Balague said.

"He understands his role at the club - he’s just a coach, but he’s happy with that too and of course, having been in the Premier League before, he knows that there is a lot of potential there.

"He will adapt to whatever he has. So from that point of view you’ve got somebody who has got experience abroad, of course he was in Argentina with a couple of clubs, and in Spain as well.

“He knows England, so for many reasons he was the perfect fit for Southampton.”

Go to the original article…

...judiciously generated by Optimus trousers...beta v1.9 - now with EXTRA pictures!