Pellegrino Joins Rafa's Team

Former Reds Defender Mauricio Pellegrino has been appointed as the new first team coach of Liverpool, meaning that the Reds finally have a replacement for Pako Ayesteran...

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Since the acrimonious departure of former assistant Ayesteran last year Benítez has largly been without a substantive first team coach, working only with an assistant.

Now, though, the 36-year-old Pellegrino will serve as the head training coach under Benítez and Sammy Lee, assistant manager.

The Spaniard explained why he selected the former Valencia and Vélez Sársfield man for the job:

"Pellegrino has a winning mentality. He won the Intercontinental Cup before going to Spain with Barcelona and Valencia," he said.

"He'll also carry out specialist training sessions. He can also work specifically with the defence, and also the reserves. He has a lot of passion.

"When I asked him to come he was very pleased, but first he wanted to find out if there was a school where his three children could play good football. He is a football man."

Pellegrino had previously been working as youth team coach at Valencia, the club with whom he spent six seasons as a centre-back.

After leaving Valencia as a player he made a dozen first team appearances for Liverpool - five in the Premier League - before ending his playing career at Alavés.

by Steve Michaels, Goal.com