Mauricio Pellegrino urges his stuttering Southampton side to kick-start their campaign with victory against Rafael Benitez's Newcastle

  • Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino has called on his side to beat Newcastle
  • The teams meet in a Premier League clash at the St Mary's Stadium on Sunday
  • The Saints have made an indifferent start and are struggling in front of goal
  • Pellegrino has urged his side to kick-start their season by winning this weekend

By Alex Crook For The Mail On Sunday

Published: | Updated:

Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino admits seeing Rafael Benitez mastermind Liverpool's miracle in Istanbul gave him the taste for a career in the dugout.

But Pellegrino will still insist his mentor pays for dinner after they have locked horns as St Mary's on Sunday.

Pellegrino played under Benitez at Valencia and was a Liverpool player during their famous comeback victory over AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final.


Mauricio Pellegrino has urged his Southampton side to beat Newcastle at home on Sunday

Mauricio Pellegrino has urged his Southampton side to beat Newcastle at home on Sunday

The pair will clash for the first time when Benitez's Newcastle travel to the south coast and Pellegrino said: 'Rafa does not drink too much. I will invite him for a coke after the game.

'If we have dinner, Rafa has to pay.

'We were in London at the Premier League meeting this summer. We were talking about some players.

'We don't have too much time to be together. He is busy and I am really busy.'

Reliving the impact of Benitez's historic team talk of 12 years ago, Pellegrino said: 'It was one of the nice moments in my career as a player.

'Even though I was outside because I could not play in the Champions League because I played for Valencia.

Pellegrino will go head-to-head against his close friend Rafael Benitez for Sunday's clash

Pellegrino will go head-to-head against his close friend Rafael Benitez for Sunday's clash

'My memories as a player are that it was really nice to be there close to my teammates. It was one of the best Champions League finals in history.

'I remember this moment. Football can change suddenly in 15 minutes from 3-0 to equalise and to beat AC Milan on penalties.

'This moment helped me to be a manager because this experience was really nice.'

'I have had a lot of moments in my life with Rafa.

'He was really close to the players, talking and helping, being positive in asking. He is really opened minded and listens to others.

'I consider myself young in this profession so I want to learn and Rafa has been in management for twenty years.'

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