Job Title: First-Team Coach
Date of Birth: 05^th October 1971
Birthplace: Leones – Argentina
Nationality: Argentinian
Joined: Since 2008

Mauricio Pellegrino began his second stint at Anfield in July 2008 when he was appointed first-team coach.

Having been signed by Rafa Benitez as a player in 2005, the former defender now aids the Rafalution from behind the scenes.

The Argentine certainly has the pedigree having scaled the heights of both European and South American football.

Pellegrino started his career playing in Argentina for CA Velez Sarsfield, winning three Apertura and two Clausura titles in more than 200 appearances. Further medals included the Copa Libertadores and European/South American Cup in 1994.

In 1998 the centre-back moved to La Liga to play for Spanish giants Barcelona.

He made 23 appearances to help Louis van Gaal's side win the league before being snapped up by Valencia, where he struck up an impressive partnership with countryman Roberto Ayala.

Pellegrino played in two Champions League finals for Valencia - though Real Madrid and Bayern Munich ensured both ended in heartache.

Despite these disappointments, he did star as Benitez led the Mestalla side to their first Spanish championship in 21 years during 2001-02.

Further La Liga and UEFA Cup medals followed before his first move to Anfield in January 2005.

However, the veteran pulled on the red jersey just 12 times before returning to Spain with Alaves in June 2005.

After hanging up his boots, Pellegrino took up a post coaching the Cadete-B Valencia CF youth team.

On his return to Merseyside, he said: "Rafa has shown his trust in me once again and I'll try to do the best for the club.

"It was a surprise to get the call because I was training with the youth team in Valencia and studying to finish my qualification to become a professional trainer.

"But when Rafa got in touch I knew I had to act quickly - I could not turn him down."