New season rugby fixtures
Mauricio Pellegrino hopes to make an impact after being named as Southampton’s new manager on a three-year contract.
The 45-year-old Argentinian left Spanish club Alaves after leading the Basque side to the Copa del Rey final in his first season in charge.
He replaces Claude Puel, who was sacked despite taking Saints to an eighthplace Premier League finish and the EFL Cup final.
Pellegrino, formerly in charge of Valencia, Independiente and Estudiantes, said: “The club has a great reputation for having a strong and stable structure, competing in the Premier League and playing attractive football.
“I think my philosophy and the culture of the club will work well together.
“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.
“I am excited and passionate about what the future holds for us and look forward to meeting the players and beginning our preparation for the new season.”
Les Reed, Saints’ vicechairman of football, was impressed by both Pellegrino’s philosophy and personality.
“Mauricio impressed us throughout with his depth of knowledge, motivation and ability, communicating this in a professional and passionate way,” said the exCharlton coach.
“He has an excellent understanding of the Southampton way, and his style of play and aspiration matches the philosophy, culture and ambition of the club.
“We firmly believe Mauricio is the right person to help us take the next steps.
“He believes we have a great squad that, with some fine-tuning, will be able to deliver continued success.
“Mauricio believes with the quality we have we can play exciting, attacking football, taking the game to our opponents by playing a high-intensity game.”
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder – who had been linked with Sunderland’s managerial vacancy – is staying put at Bramall Lane, penning a new, improved deal.
But the 49-year-old knows he is under pressure to maintain progress in the Championship,followingthe Blades’ impressive League One title-winning campaign.
He told our sister paper, The Star: “I don’t think anyone can talk about 10 year plans. You can’t get carried away by talking or projects and stuff like that, it does my head in.
“You’ve got to win football matches and to try and improve the football club.
“We’ve got good owners who know what football is all about.
“For every manager who is given an opportunity to succeed, though, there’s a Gary Rowett. I think the owners are happy with what we’ve done and want to keep on doing that.”
Meanwhile, the Blades have made a move to land Wolves centre-back Ethan Ebanks-Landell. Wilder is also keen on Charlton winger Ricky Holmes and Southend’s Ryan Leonard.