Mauricio Pellegrino
Pellegrino managing Southampton in 2017
Personal information
Full name Mauricio Andrés Pellegrino Luna[1]
Date of birth (1971-10-05) 5 October 1971 (age 52)[2]
Place of birth Leones [es], Argentina[2]
Height 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in)[2]
Position(s) Centre-back
Team information
Current team
 Cádiz (manager)
Youth career
1982–1987 CA Sarmiento
1987–1990 Vélez Sarsfield
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1990–1999 Vélez Sarsfield 186 (11)
1998–1999 → Barcelona (loan) 23 (0)
1999–2005 Valencia 140 (5)
2005 Liverpool 12 (0)
2005–2006 Alavés 13 (0)
Total 374 (16)
International career
1993 Argentina U20 2 (0)
1997 Argentina 3 (0)
Managerial career
2008–2010 Liverpool (assistant coach)
2010 Inter (assistant coach)
2012 Valencia
2013–2015 Estudiantes
2015–2016 Independiente
2016–2017 Alavés
2017–2018 Southampton
2018–2019 Leganés
2020–2022 Vélez Sarsfield
2023 Universidad de Chile
2024– Cádiz
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Mauricio Andrés Pellegrino Luna (Latin American Spanish: [mawˈɾisjo peleˈɣɾino]; born 5 October 1971) is an Argentine former professional footballer who played as a centre-back, currently manager of Cádiz in La Liga.

Pellegrino played nearly one decade with Vélez Sarsfield, winning nine titles. He left in 1998, winning La Liga on loan at Barcelona. From 1999 to 2005 he played for Valencia, winning two league titles and the UEFA Cup, as well as playing in two consecutive UEFA Champions League finals. He then had brief spells at Liverpool and Alavés. He earned three caps for Argentina, including at the 1997 Copa América.

Pellegrino embarked on a managerial career after retiring, notably working two years with Vélez Sarsfield and leading Alavés to the 2017 Copa del Rey Final. For eight months, he was in charge of Southampton in the Premier League.

Playing career

Club

Vélez and Barcelona

Born in Leones, Córdoba,[3] Pellegrino played for Velez Sarsfield during a large portion of the 1990s, as the Buenos Aires-based club experienced its golden age, winning four Primeira División championships and the 1994 Intercontinental and Libertadores Cups. He received the nickname El Flaco ("The Lanky One") for his physique.[4][5]

He had his first experience abroad in 1998–99, joining Louis van Gaal's Barcelona on loan.[6] He made his La Liga debut on 12 September 1998 in a 1–0 home win against Extremadura,[7] and would be used regularly during the campaign, which ended with league conquest.[8]

Valencia

Pellegrino had his best years with another Spanish side, Valencia, partnering countryman Roberto Ayala in the heart of the back-four while helping them to two league titles during his tenure,[9] with the addition of the 2003–04 edition of the UEFA Cup.[10] Possessing an Italian passport through descent, he did not take a slot for non-European Union players in the team.[11]

Arguably his worst moment occurred during the 2000–01 final of the UEFA Champions League as he missed the last penalty shootout attempt against Bayern Munich (1–1 after 120 minutes)[12]– he also played in the previous season's decisive match, which also ended in defeat, to Real Madrid (0–3).[13] Overall though, in his six years at the Mestalla, he was a very important defensive unit, and amassed 213 official appearances for the Che.

Liverpool and retirement

In early January 2005, after having been frozen out by Claudio Ranieri,[14] Pellegrino joined former Valencia boss Rafael Benítez at Liverpool on a free transfer, signing a six-month contract[15]– this move made him the first Argentine player in the history of the club. He played 12 times for the Reds in the Premier League – 13 overall – but his performances were not enough to secure a longer contract, and he was released by the club at the end of the season. He was cup-tied for the Champions League campaign,[16] and did not feature in the victory over A.C. Milan in the final of the competition.

Afterwards, Pellegrino returned to Spain, having an unassuming stint with Alavés (fewer than half of the matches played, first division relegation).[17]

International

Pellegrino earned three caps for Argentina, all during 1997. He was picked for the squad at that year's Copa América and made his debut in the continental tournament against Ecuador in the group stage.[18]

Coaching career

Early years

After retiring in June 2006, Pellegrino stayed connected with Valencia, coaching its Cadete B (youth team). Two years later he decided to return to Liverpool, who still had Benítez in charge, as first-team coach.[19] In the middle of 2010 the pair moved to Inter Milan,[20] where they were dismissed in December.[21]

Valencia

Pellegrino as manager of Valencia

On 7 May 2012 Pellegrino was appointed as manager of Valencia, signing for two years as a replacement for Unai Emery who had left at the end of the season.[22] The first game of his career was a 1–1 draw at Real Madrid on 19 August.[23] On 1 December 2012, following a 2–5 home loss against Real Sociedad which left the side in 12th place, he was relieved of his duties.[24]

Estudiantes and Independiente

Pellegrino returned to his country, signing with Estudiantes in April 2013.[25] On 14 April 2015, he was sacked by president Juan Sebastián Verón.[26] In June, he was appointed at fellow league team Independiente.[27]

Alavés

Pellegrino returned to Alavés on 26 June 2016, being named José Bordalás's successor as the club had just been promoted to the top flight.[28] In his first season he qualified the team for the final of the Copa del Rey for the first time ever, after a 1–0 aggregate defeat of Celta Vigo;[29] in the decisive match, played in Madrid, they lost 3–1 to Barcelona.[30]

Southampton and Leganés

Pellegrino as Southampton manager in 2017

On 23 June 2017, Pellegrino was appointed manager of Southampton on a three-year contract.[31][32] He was dismissed the following 12 March, with the team at risk of relegation after winning one of their last 17 matches.[33]

Pellegrino returned to the Spanish top division on 2 June 2018, signing a one-year deal with Leganés.[34] In his first season, he led the club to a best-ever 13th place, with record points, subsequently earning a contract extension to 2021.[35] In October 2019, as the side was last in the standings with only two points, he left by mutual consent.[36]

Vélez Sarsfield

On 16 April 2020, Pellegrino replaced Gabriel Heinze at the helm of Vélez Sarsfield and agreed to a contract until June 2021.[37] At its conclusion, it was extended for another twelve months.[38]

Pellegrino's Vélez side reached the semi-finals of the Copa Sudamericana in his first year, being eliminated 4–0 on aggregate by compatriots Lanús.[39] Domestically, they were runners-up to River Plate in the 2021 season. Holding a 56% winning percentage over his entire spell, he resigned on 23 March 2022 after a poor start to the Copa de la Liga Profesional.[40]

Universidad de Chile

On 29 November 2022, Pellegrino was appointed as manager of Universidad de Chile for the upcoming season.[41] He left the club at the end of the campaign having finished ninth, two points off qualification for continental tournaments.[42][43]

Cádiz

On 24 January 2024, Pellegrino returned to Spain and its top tier, after being named manager of Cádiz.[44]

Personal life

Pellegrino's son and brother, Mateo and Maximiliano, were also footballers. Mauricio was known for being called Mauro by staff and teammembers[45] The former made his professional debut for Vélez under his management.[46]

Managerial statistics

As of match played 4 February 2024[47]
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team From To Record Ref.
G W D L GF GA GD Win %
Valencia 4 June 2012 1 December 2012 21 10 4 7 34 29 +5 047.62 [48]
Estudiantes 5 April 2013 14 April 2015 98 40 31 27 102 83 +19 040.82
Independiente 4 June 2015 10 May 2016 41 21 13 7 55 29 +26 051.22
Alavés 26 June 2016 29 May 2017 47 18 17 12 54 49 +5 038.30 [49]
Southampton 23 June 2017 12 March 2018 35 9 13 13 35 47 −12 025.71
Leganés 2 June 2018 21 October 2019 51 13 15 23 45 64 −19 025.49 [50]
Vélez Sarsfield 17 April 2020 23 March 2022 78 37 21 20 114 76 +38 047.44
Universidad de Chile 29 November 2022 9 December 2023 32 12 8 12 50 42 +8 037.50 [51]
Cádiz 24 January 2024 Present 2 0 2 0 0 0 +0 000.00
Career total 405 160 124 121 489 419 +70 039.51

Honours

Player

Vélez Sarsfield

Barcelona

Valencia

Liverpool

Manager

Alavés

References

  1. ^ Martínez Viguri, José Ángel (23 June 2016). "El Alavés confía su banquillo a Pellegrino" [Alavés trust their bench to Pellegrino]. El Correo (in Spanish). Retrieved 21 October 2019.
  2. ^ a b c "Mauricio PELLEGRINO". El Mundo (in Spanish). Retrieved 21 October 2019.
  3. ^ Molina, Pedro (3 March 2015). "Mauricio Pellegrino, pincharrata por adopción" [Mauricio Pellegrino, pincharrata by adoption]. El Gráfico (in Spanish). Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  4. ^ Ros, Cayetano (7 May 2012). ""El Flaco te hace pensar"" ["The Lanky One makes you think"]. El País (in Spanish). Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  5. ^ Izquierdo, César; Calabuig, Pascu (17 February 2020). "El 'Flaco' Mauricio Pellegrino ya tiene nuevo equipo" ['Lanky' Mauricio Pellegrino now has a new team]. Super Deporte (in Spanish). Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  6. ^ Piñol, Àngels (29 August 1998). "El Barcelona ficha a Kluivert y a Pellegrino contrarreloj" [Barcelona sign Kluivert and Pellegrino in the nick of time]. El País (in Spanish). Retrieved 27 June 2016.
  7. ^ Astruells, Andrés (13 September 1998). "Un Barça muy justito" [Par-for-course Barça]. Mundo Deportivo (in Spanish). Retrieved 27 June 2016.
  8. ^ a b Borinsky, Diego (2 February 2012). "Pellegrino: "A Mourinho lo tuve como ayudante de Van Gaal, es un buen tipo"" [Pellegrino: "I had Mourinho as Van Gaal's assistant, he is a good guy"]. El Gráfico (in Spanish). Retrieved 27 June 2016.
  9. ^ "Defensas: los muros históricos de la Liga" [Defenders: the League's historic walls] (in Spanish). Sphera Sports. 30 June 2015. Retrieved 27 June 2016.
  10. ^ a b "Valencia 2–0 Marseille". BBC Sport. 19 May 2004. Retrieved 27 June 2016.
  11. ^ Cosín, Raúl (10 September 2012). "«Tenemos que congeniar una idea para llevar al Valencia hacia adelante»" ["We have to think up an idea to take Valencia forward"]. ABC (in Spanish). Retrieved 14 September 2023.
  12. ^ a b "Bayern crowned European champions". BBC Sport. 23 May 2001. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
  13. ^ a b "Real Madrid 3–0 Valencia". The Guardian. 24 May 2000. Retrieved 27 June 2016.
  14. ^ Torres, Diego (24 October 2004). "Ranieri se guarda la munición" [Ranieri saves ammo]. El País (in Spanish). Retrieved 29 June 2017.
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  16. ^ Wilson, Paul (3 April 2005). "Rafa trusts in fate and Gerrard". The Guardian. Retrieved 2 May 2019.
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  18. ^ Tabeira, Martín. "Copa América 1997". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 27 June 2016.
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  20. ^ Sorrentino, Andrea (20 September 2010). "E' arrivata l'Inter di Benitez" [Benitez's Inter is here]. La Repubblica (in Italian). Retrieved 29 June 2017.
  21. ^ "Inter Milan sack manager Rafael Benitez". BBC Sport. 23 December 2010. Retrieved 29 June 2017.
  22. ^ "Valencia appoint Pellegrino". ESPN Soccernet. 7 May 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
  23. ^ "Real Madrid held by Valencia". Al Jazeera. 19 August 2012. Retrieved 14 September 2023.
  24. ^ "Pellegrino sacked by Valencia". ESPN Soccernet. 1 December 2012. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
  25. ^ "Mauricio Pellegrino es el nuevo DT de Estudiantes" [Mauricio Pellegrino is the new Estudiantes HC]. La Nación (in Spanish). 5 April 2013. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  26. ^ "Estudiantes sack Pellegrino after six matches without win". Reuters. 14 April 2015. Retrieved 10 July 2020.
  27. ^ "Pese a la resistencia de los hinchas, Mauricio Pellegrino es el nuevo DT de Independiente" [In spite of resistance from fans, Mauricio Pellegrino is new Independiente HC]. La Nación (in Spanish). 4 June 2015. Retrieved 21 October 2019.
  28. ^ "Mauricio Pellegrino, nuevo entrenador del Deportivo Alavés" [Mauricio Pellegrino, new manager of Deportivo Alavés] (in Spanish). Deportivo Alavés. 26 June 2016. Retrieved 27 June 2016.
  29. ^ Egea, Pablo (8 February 2017). "La noche más gloriosa" [The most glorious night]. Marca (in Spanish). Retrieved 9 February 2017.
  30. ^ a b "Barcelona 3–1 Alavés". BBC Sport. 27 May 2017. Retrieved 28 June 2017.
  31. ^ "Saints appoint Pellegrino". Southampton F.C. 23 June 2017. Retrieved 23 June 2017.
  32. ^ "Mauricio Pellegrino: Southampton appoint former Alaves boss as manager". BBC Sport. 23 June 2017. Retrieved 23 June 2017.
  33. ^ "Mauricio Pellegrino: Southampton sack manager with eight games left of season". BBC Sport. 12 March 2018. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  34. ^ "Mauricio Pellegrino, nuevo entrenador del Club Deportivo Leganés" [Mauricio Pellegrino, new manager of Club Deportivo Leganés] (in Spanish). CD Leganés. 2 June 2018. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
  35. ^ "Pellegrino renueva con el Leganés hasta junio de 2021" [Pellegrino renews with Leganés until June 2021]. Mundo Deportivo (in Spanish). 6 May 2019. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
  36. ^ "Mauricio Pellegrino deja de ser entrenador del Leganés" [Mauricio Pellegrino is no longer manager of Leganés] (in Spanish). Cadena SER. 21 October 2019. Retrieved 21 October 2019.
  37. ^ "Es oficial: Mauricio Pellegrino firmó y es nuevo DT de Vélez" [It's official: Mauricio Pellegrino signed and is Vélez's new HC]. Clarín (in Spanish). 16 April 2020. Retrieved 20 April 2020.
  38. ^ "Mauricio Pellegrino renovó su contrato con Vélez hasta junio de 2022 y su equipo lo festejó ganándole un amistoso a Estudiantes" [Mauricio Pellegrino renewed his contract with Vélez until June 2022 and his team celebrated it by winning a friendly against Estudiantes]. La Nación (in Spanish). 3 July 2021. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  39. ^ "Lanús goleó 3–0 a Vélez y es finalista de la Copa Sudamericana" [Lanús thrashed Vélez 3–0 and are Copa Sudamericana finalists] (in Spanish). Infobae. 13 January 2021. Retrieved 30 March 2022.
  40. ^ Mirarchi, Valentín (23 March 2022). "Vélez: renunció Mauricio Pellegrino" [Vélez: Mauricio Pellegrino resigned]. Olé (in Spanish). Retrieved 30 March 2022.
  41. ^ "¡Llega el nuevo DT azul! Universidad de Chile oficializa al argentino Mauricio Pellegrino" [The new manager of the blues arrive! Universidad de Chile turn official the Argentine Mauricio Pellegrino] (in Spanish). RedGol. 29 November 2022. Retrieved 30 November 2022.
  42. ^ "Oficial: Mauricio Pellegrino dejó de ser el DT de la U" [Official: Mauricio Pellegrino ceased to be the U′s manager] (in Spanish). En Cancha. 9 December 2023. Retrieved 10 December 2023.
  43. ^ "Mauricio Pellegrino no seguirá como entrenador en Universidad de Chile" [Mauricio Pellegrino will not continue as manager of Universidad de Chile] (in Spanish). TyC Sports. 10 December 2023. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
  44. ^ "Acuerdo con Mauricio Pellegrino" [Agreement with Mauricio Pellegrino] (in Spanish). Cádiz CF. 24 January 2024. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  45. ^ Tagliaferri, Guillermo (29 June 2019). "La dinastía Pellegrino y otra vuelta olímpica en Vélez" [The Pellegrino dynasty and another Olympic return at Vélez] (in Spanish). IAM Noticias. Retrieved 1 April 2021.
  46. ^ "El Flaco Pellegrino hizo debutar a su hijo, Mateo" [Lanky Pellegrino handed debut to his son, Mateo]. Olé (in Spanish). 31 March 2021. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  47. ^ Mauricio Pellegrino coach profile at Soccerway
  48. ^ "Pellegrino: Mauricio Andrés Pellegrino Luna". BDFutbol. Retrieved 27 September 2016.
  49. ^ "Pellegrino: Mauricio Andrés Pellegrino Luna". BDFutbol. Retrieved 27 September 2016.
  50. ^ "Pellegrino: Mauricio Andrés Pellegrino Luna". BDFutbol. Retrieved 5 June 2018.
  51. ^ "Mauricio Pellegrino is the new manager of first team". 29 November 2022. Retrieved 29 November 2022.
  52. ^ Andrés, Juan Pablo; Ciullini, Pablo; Stokkermans, Karel. "Supercopa Libertadores 1996". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 29 June 2017.
  53. ^ Ciullini, Pablo. "Recopa 1996". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 29 June 2017.
  54. ^ Puig, Darío (5 May 2012). "Diez años de la primera Liga 'en color' del Valencia" [Tenth anniversary of Valencia's first League 'in colour']. Marca (in Spanish). Retrieved 29 June 2017.
  55. ^ Gómez, Héctor (24 November 2012). "Qué ha sido de la plantilla del doblete" [What happened to the double squad] (in Spanish). Plaza Deportiva. Retrieved 29 June 2017.
  56. ^ "Liverpool 2–3 Chelsea". BBC Sport. 27 February 2005. Retrieved 8 June 2022.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mauricio Pellegrino.
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Argentina squad – 1997 Copa América
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