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View from the Kop

Hit, Miss or Maybe: Mauricio Pellegrino

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Signed: from Valencia in January 2005 (free)

Left: for Alaves in June 2005 (free)

Mauricio Pellegrino became the first ever Argentinian to represent Liverpool when he linked up with his former boss Rafa Benitez at Anfield, the two having previously worked together at Valencia. He had been frozen out at the Spanish side by Claudio Ranieri, and said on his arrival:

“At my age it’s a great satisfaction that this opportunity comes along. I have always wanted to play in English football.”

Pellegrino arrived to replace the outoing Stephane Henchoz, and provide competition for the near ever-present centre back pairing of Jamie Carragher and Sami Hyypia.

At first, Benitez attempted to accomodate all three in his starting XI, on occasion changing formation, or moving Carragher to right back. However, Pellegrino began to get the nod over Hyypia in the league, with the Finn able to win his place back thanks to solid performances in the Champions League, for which Pellegrino was ineligible.

Pellegrino was disappointing in his short time at Anfield, and looked very much the player seeing out his career with one last payday. At Valencia, he had been a fan favourite, and put in years of great service, but he made no impact with Liverpool, and was far too slow for the Premier League.

He should never have been in the team ahead of Hyypia, and it is a wonder how everyone saw this bar Benitez, who continuously selected him despite almost anonymous performances. As with Antonio Nunez, it was no surprise when he was released at the end of the season.

After one season with Alaves, in which the club was relegated, Pellegrino retired to become a coach with Valencia’s youth team. He then returned to Anfield as a first-team coach, where he has probably had a much greater impact than his time on the field in Merseyside.

Verdict: He may have been free, and a stop-gap, back-up signing, but Pellegrino was clearly over the hill when he joined Liverpool, and shouldn’t have been anywhere near the first team. MISS. Although, he appears to be having more success as a coach. Well, he’s lasted longer anyway…

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I am currently studying Sports Journalism at the University of Central Lancashire. I have recently finished my first year of the course, and I am hoping to hone my skills by writing pieces for live4liverpool.

I have supported Liverpool since the age of 6, and in that time my favourite player has been Robbie Fowler. My favourite match was the 2005 Champions League final against AC Milan.

6 comments

  • samuel charles says:

    what a stupid, none story / post to talk about when lfc have the problems that the club has! who gives two fcuks as to the old center half,, whats wrong with you bringing up a topic such as this at a time when we have no money, close to admin, star players could go, the ownership battle is still alive,,,, what a f**king stupid time to be putting c**p posts up like this one, you must have huge time on your hands………..

  • Zaid says:

    Samuel,

    If you dont like this kind of a post then don’t read it. Simple as that.

  • Lee says:

    Ref. Samuel post above

    You must be an even bigger for reading it and then choosing to slag off the thread initiator. Guess you must have even more time on your hands.

    It’s no wonder the club is going downhill with f**king idiots like you picking on real fans!!

    Get a life (or a job)

  • samuel charles says:

    lee you mug you i run my own firm mate, travel around the world, 3 houses so shut your mouth, i have a seaosn ticket at the club you mug you,, so i think you need to get a job and a life, why do you not spend time like i do after i finish work trying to help the club rid of the con men that are killing the club…. you mug you

  • Paul says:

    If u both are truly a Liverpool fan,Then stop fighting OK.

  • Lee says:

    Not fighting Paul, just attempting to put some muppet back in his box.

    As for Sammy Charles, thanks for the insecure response – the number of houses you own really doesn’t disprove your ignorance (or lack of English writing skills)

    Lee (the mug) over and out 😉

Comments are closed.