Mauricio Pochettino is returning to the Premier League after Manchester United confirmed him as their new head coach. He will take charge on 18 November.

Much of the attention has focused on what he could bring to the team. Less is known about the person who has supported him throughout his managerial career.

Karina Grippaldi rarely speaks publicly, but her relationship with Pochettino and the role she plays in his life offer an interesting glimpse into the family behind the football manager.

Who is Karina Grippaldi?

Karina was born in Argentina and also holds Italian citizenship through her family, according to Athlon Sports. She met Pochettino while he was a young player at Newell's Old Boys, and they married in 1994.

Athlon Sports describes Karina as a singer and songwriter. She has largely stayed out of the public eye, despite her husband's high-profile career.

Her husband's career has taken the family to several countries and cities, including Barcelona, Southampton, London and Paris. With Pochettino now heading to Manchester United, it remains to be seen whether Karina will make Manchester their next home.

Karina, The Toughest Critic, And The Pochettino Sons

Pochettino has spoken openly about how much Karina's opinion matters to him. Speaking to Football London in 2018, as reported by Heavy, he revealed that she regularly gives him feedback on his media appearances.

"She is fixing me after every press conference."

Her honesty has also extended to his celebrations. During his time at Tottenham, Pochettino jokingly asked her to stay away from White Hart Lane while the team was winning. Reports also say that she questioned his exuberant celebration against Everton.

When asked how often she had to tell him off, he replied: "She only tells me once — that is enough."

The family's connection to football does not stop with Pochettino. Their two sons have also followed different paths within the sport. Sebastiano, born in January 1995, is a sports scientist and has worked on his father's coaching staff with the United States national team.

His younger brother, Maurizio, was born in Barcelona in 2001 and came through the academies at Southampton and Tottenham before making his senior debut for Watford against Brentford.

Maurizio now plays for Inter Club d'Escaldes in Andorra. He married Becca Byford at the end of 2025. Whether Sebastiano will follow his father to Old Trafford remains unclear.

Pochettino's first match in charge is a demanding trip to Anfield to face Liverpool on 22 November, with his first press conference as United head coach expected before then.

If his previous experiences are anything to go by, one familiar critic will be following his every word from home.