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Southampton: Alavés rue Mauricio Pellegrino’s ‘suspected’ absence

By Christian Bird

HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 26: Mauricio Pellegrino, Manager of Southampton looks on prior to the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Southampton at John Smith's Stadium on August 26, 2017 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images)
HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 26: Mauricio Pellegrino, Manager of Southampton looks on prior to the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Southampton at John Smith's Stadium on August 26, 2017 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images) /
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Former Deportivo Alavés Boss Mauricio Pellegrino, now the man in charge at Saints, is reported by Marca magazine to have disappointed supporters by unveiling an open secret about his future.

In a press conference, Pellegrino addressed Manchester City loanee Manu Garcia, who captained Alavés, among other teammates in an apology given to the supporters.

He announced that his future did not lie with the club but instead would be leaving for another, which turned out to be Southampton Football Club.

Newly formed club Deportivo Alavés featured in a derby match with Deportivo de La Coruña yesterday evening, which Alavés lost 1-0. They were promoted to the division two seasons ago and now face the difficult task of competing with the likes of Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, and Barcelona in La Liga.

HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 26: Mauricio Pellegrino, Manager of Southampton and Nathan Redmond of Southampton embrace after the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Southampton at John Smith’s Stadium on August 26, 2017 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 26: Mauricio Pellegrino, Manager of Southampton and Nathan Redmond of Southampton embrace after the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Southampton at John Smith’s Stadium on August 26, 2017 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images) /

How did Pellegrino build a reputation in football?

Firstly, he has managed some top clubs during his career – including Valencia, Independiente, and Estudiantes. He also had a brief spell as assistant coach to Rafael Benitez at Liverpool during the 2008/2009 season.

In 47 games, Pellegrino managed on average 1.51 points per games at Alavés, which is not a terrible performance for a promoted club. They remained in the division, but sadly for their supporters could not retain their victorious head coach.

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In total, the Argentine won more games than he lost, which was the overall objective at the end of the day. Not only is he able to hit his targets, he is also able to inspire player’s, being a former Barcelona and Liverpool full-back, who then went on to retire from football at Alavés.

He had a special connection with the Alavés fans having spent his final season there, and after having such a spectacular career playing around the world.

Rating Pellegrino as Southampton Manager

Mauricio Pellegrino is now the second furthest manager from his hometown, but has begun with a bang winning two, drawing two, and losing two at Southampton.

Pellegrino will hope to expand upon these results using the depth in squad that he now possess following several excellent signings. It will be important how he utilises his substitutes to secure this success.