Profile

Mauricio Pellegrino is first team coach to Rafa Benitez and is in his second spell at the club after his time as a player. 

The tall Argentinian was a regular in the heart of Benitez's defence at Valencia and needing cover at centre half, Rafa brought him to Anfield in 2005.

Pellegrino's arrival ensured Rafa could rest Sami Hyypia and keep him fresh for the Champions League games. It was only a short spell at Anfield before he returned to Spain after five months.

Having started his career in Velez Sarsfield in Argentina. He was loaned out to Barcelona in the 1999-2000 season, where he won the first of his three Spanish titles. He returned home, but was soon on his way back to Spain to play for Valencia. Pellegrino has wealth of experience in European football as he has competed in two Champions league finals and won the UEFA Cup. 

He returned to Liverpool in the summer of 2008 as first-team coach.

Other Clubs:
Velez Sarsfield, Barcelona (loan), Valencia, Alaves