Mauricio Pellegrino

A former Argentinean footballer and an acting coach, Mauricio Andrés Pellegrino was born in Leones on October 5, 1971.

In 1990, Mauricio began playing for the Argentinean Club Atlético Vélez Sársfield. He devoted 9 years of his career to the club with the exception of one season when he played for Barcelona in 1998/1999. In 1999, Mauricio joined Valencia CF and 6 years later he left for Liverpool FC. After an unsuccessful season with the English club Pellegrino decided to finish his career as a player and spent his last season (2005/2006) with the Alavés (at that time – a Spanish La Segunda club). The Argentinean footballer received the majority of his awards playing for his native Club Atlético Vélez Sársfield and Valencia CF. In different times he won the UEFA Cup and Supercup, Spanish championship (twice), Spanish Supercup, Copa Libertadores, Intercontinental Cup and many other tournaments.

Right after he finished his career as a footballer, Mauricio was offered to join the coaching staff of the Valencia youth team. In 2008, Pellegrino left for England to become a coach of Liverpool FC. After two seasons with Liverpool and a short stint with Internazionale, the coach returned to Valencia CF. However, he was sacked after five months in charge and half a year later was appointed the coach of Estudiantes.