Team man Mauricio

NEW Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino has vowed to make the club’s fans proud. The 45-year-old Argentinian was confirmed as Claude Puel’s successor yesterday on a three-year deal.

Pellegrino said: “We have to be a team on and off the pitch. I want to make the supporters proud of the players and to feel part of the game every week.

“I want to win matches, be successful and develop a team spirit where everyone gives 100 per cent and supports each other.”

The former Liverpool defender and No.2 led Alaves to ninth in La Liga and the Copa del Rey final last month.

Pellegrino, who will start work next week, added: “I think my philosophy and the culture of the club will work well together.”

Saints’ executive director Les Reed said: “Mauricio believes with the quality we have at the club we can play exciting, attacking football, taking the game to our opponents by playing a high-intensity game.”