On Friday evening, Southampton confirmed the appointment of Mauricio Pellegrino as the club’s new manager ahead of the 2017/18 season.
Twitter: #SaintPellegrino
We are delighted to announce Mauricio Pellegrino as #SaintsFC’s new First Team Manager! https://t.co/k2w11DBvvY (@SouthamptonFC)
The Argentine replaces Claude Puel at the helm of the club and will be keen to make an impression upon his first managerial stint in England.
Prior to his appointment, opinion was somewhat split over whether or not Pellegrino would be a good suit to Saints, but it seems as though the overall consensus has become gradually more positive since his arrival.
So, to gather some knowledge on how us at Read Southampton are feeling about Pellegrino’s appointment, I’ve asked three of our writers to join me in giving our thoughts on the former Alaves man!
Without further ado, take a look at what myself, Daniel Emery, Ed Carter, and Sam Hammond think of the new Saints chief!
Firstly, are you happy with the appointment?
Luke – I was initially a little irritated that we’d been so slow to make the managerial change, but having read the glowing reports on Pellegrino and having delved a little deeper into the man’s background, I’m positive. I think he’ll relish the challenge and while I have my apprehensions, I’m quietly confident ahead of the coming season.
Daniel – Not sure if happy is the word, content may be more apt. Certainly not excited by the appointment.
Ed – I’m very happy with the appointment. Along with many others I didn’t know a great deal about Pellegrino, but after I read a bit about him he looks to be a perfect fit.
Sam – I’d say I am happy, just about. Mostly because it’s a fresh start and not Puel.
What do you think Pellegrino will bring to Saints?
Luke – Charisma. I feel as though Saints lacked any swagger and charisma under Puel, and perhaps that was a big downfall last season. Pellegrino’s whole aura and demeanour impresses me, and I feel as though he’ll bring the team spirit back. I think we’ll play better as a unit.
Daniel – Well, I don’t know too much about him but it does seem to be a very safe appointment. He’ll keep Saints in the league, keep the club stable. Though I’m not sure that’s the direction the club are/should be aiming toward.
Ed – I think he will bring back a lot of what the likes of Pochettino and Koeman had brought to the table. He has stated he plays dynamic and fast paced attacking football and likes to bring the game to the opposition, which many fans must be very happy about. His style of play tends to involve every player on the pitch, making them all feel important and a part of the system he creates, which will help everyone get better.
Finally, Pellegrino is known to be a very passionate character on the sideline, as he once dislocated his shoulder when giving instructions to his players, and I believe we missed that with Puel, so that will also be a very good part of his management.
Sam – I think Pellegrino brings a bit more of man management to the squad. We saw how Puel couldn’t manage his dressing room and I think Pellegrino should bring back a bit more collectiveness among the group.
Do you consider him an upgrade on Puel?
Luke – Initially I didn’t, but I think I was being a little short-sighted and narrow-minded. I think that although his pedigree doesn’t make as good reading as Puel’s does, he seems to have intelligence and potential in abundance. I suppose time will tell.
Daniel – No. But it’s hard to answer that question until we’ve seen him manage the club. Puel came with more credibility and experience, Pellegrino is more of an unknown quantity, for me anyway.
Ed – It must be an upgrade. Puel lost his faith because of his boring and defensive style of play, however with Pellegrino he specifically stated that he likes to play dynamic, attacking football, which I don’t believe Puel mentioned at all during his time at Saints. I really hope it is an upgrade.
Sam – I’d say he’s an upgrade on Puel but obviously don’t have a huge amount to judge him on yet. He looks to have competed well with the big sides in Spain which is something Claude failed to do here.
Which players do you think will flourish under him?
Luke – When you look at Pellegrino stylistically, he appears to value his full-backs incredibly highly. Although I think Cedric Soares and Ryan Bertrand are already absolutely brilliant, I reckon they’ll benefit under Pellegrino. I hope the likes of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Sofiane Boufal flourish, particularly.
Daniel – It’s a hard question to answer. He appears to play defensive, pressing, counter attack football and I think that suits Shane Long down to a tee. However, I don’t think Long will get anywhere near the side, so that may be void. Possibly Jack Stephens, James Ward-Prowse, the obvious contenders.
Ed – First player you’ve got to look at is Romeu. I think his play involving the midfield will mean that everything will go through Romeu in matches. Second I’d say is maybe Tadic if he stays at the club. He’s been lacking creativity for the majority of last season which could’ve been to Puel’s tactics not giving him enough freedom in the number ten role. With Pellegrino’s attacking style of play, I think Tadic will be given the ability to really show off his talents.
Sam – I’ve heard how full-backs are vital in his systems so I’d expect Cedric and Bertrand to thrive – if we keep them both that is.
Do you have any concerns about Pellegrino?
Luke – I worry that he is not enough of a ‘big name’ to keep hold of the top players we have. I felt as though we needed someone well-known and proven to be successful in order to ensure that the likes of Ryan Bertrand and Virgil van Dijk were content to stay, but I’m not sure. With that being said, I think he’ll bring the group closer and we’ll see a few more smiling faces at Saints again.
Another concern I have is that despite the comments on how exciting our football will be under Pellegrino from Les Reed, it could be an empty promise. Being a protege of Rafa Benitez, you often know what you’re going to get from this kind of team and coach. However, if this promise is fulfilled, we’ll be laughing.
Daniel – As I alluded to before, his track record is less impressive than Puel’s, in my eyes, which is a concern. The club needed an injection of charisma and hope, someone to lift the club. It remains to be seen whether Pellegrino is that character.
Ed – At the moment, no. I don’t see many big concerns with him right now. I think Pellegrino will be a great fit to Southampton, and hopefully will not have any major concerns over the course of his time at St. Mary’s.
Sam – The only concerns I have regarding Pellegrino is his defensive style. Although, that may have been down to his squad he was given with Alaves.
