Mauricio Pellegrino has completed his first interview and photoshoot, around a week after being officially named as the Saints’ new manager.
The Argentinian was brought in as a replacement for Claude Puel, who’s contract was terminated mid-way through last month.
Bar a few graphics and hastags, relatively little was released regarding Pellegrino’s appointment, except the fact that he signed a three-year on the south coast. However the 45-year-old has since spoken to the official Southampton media, expressing his delight at landing the role.
He said: “When I hear the desire about the future of the club and the goals they express for the club for the next season and in the next few years, we were completely agreeing and I quickly felt for me it would be a great opportunity.
“I am really happy to be in the Premier League, to be in Southampton. I think we can create a great mood to bond the players and the people that are working in this amazing training ground and I have got confidence to do my best for this team.
What’s clear is that the man wants to be here, and whilst every coach would say that upon their appointment, you get the vibe that Pellegrino REALLY wants to be at Southampton and manage.
The combination of a manager who offers loyalty whilst getting his players to set-up in an entertaining and successful manager might seem a tall find for Southampton, but based off of his coaching with Alaves last season the Saints may have found their man, with the Argentinian going on to say:
“I am looking forward to getting to know them and talking to them, I am really excited for this moment, because I love to work and I feel that this profession for me is a vocation – I don’t feel like it’s work.
“I want to translate that to the players – try to enjoy, but working as best as we can while enjoying every single day.”
Pellegrino’s genuine excitement at the opportunity to work with Southampton and to manage the side is something that is sure to get the fans excited, especially as there is already a great buzz around the club right now, especially with the release of the new kits yesterday and the beginning of the transfer window today.