Mauricio Pellegrino heaps the praise on Rafa Benitez
Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino has heaped the praise on Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez, as quoted by the Daily Mail.
First of all, Rafa was a really important team-mate because we were working together at Valencia as a player and then at Liverpool. He gave me the opportunity to work in professional football as his assistant and to be in contact with the Premier League and with this wonderful team.
The Argentinian tactician worked under Benitez as his assistant manager during the Spaniard’s time in charge of Liverpool, and has gone on to enjoy individual, managerial success since parting ways.
My experience was really nice. I will always be grateful with Rafa, not just on the professional side, but he is a good example to me as a person, too.
However, the pair will meet again to battle for the first time on Sunday, when Newcastle take the long trip to the south coast.
Benitez has led the Magpies to 9th place in what has been a hugely positive opening to the season. Pellegrino, on the other hand, has endured a tough start, and has seen his misfiring Saints side slump to 12th.
I am now in a situation where I play against him, because I am part of the Premier League, but I have to be ready to prepare my team and I will try to beat them.
Pellegrino also played for Benitez during the pair’s time at Valencia together, and will be hoping to get one over on his ex-tutor when the sides meet at St Mary’s.