Southampton announce Mauricio Pellegrino appointment

Southampton have announced that they have appointed Mauricio Pellegrino as their new manager.

Earlier this month, the Saints announced that they had parted company with Claude Puel, who achieved an eighth-place finish in the Premier League and an appearance in the EFL Cup final in his only season in charge.

However, the south coast club have moved quickly to secure his replacement with former Alaves boss Pellegrino penning a three-year contract.

The 45-year-old told the club's official website: "I am really happy to become the new coach of Southampton Football Club. 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."

During his one campaign at Alaves, he guided Alaves to ninth position in La Liga, as well as an appearance in the Copa del Rey final.