MANCHESTER: Manchester City have named former Malaga manager Manuel Pellegrini as the successor to the sacked Roberto Mancini, the Premier League club said on Friday.
The 59-year-old Chilean, whose appointment had been widely expected for weeks with Pellegrini saying last month he had a verbal agreement, takes over following Mancini’s dismissal on May 13 after City were runners-up in the league and FA Cup.
“I am delighted to accept this hugely exciting opportunity. The club has a clear vision for success both on and off the pitch and I am committed to making a significant contribution,” Pellegrini said on the club’s website.
“Everything is in place for Manchester City to continue to be successful and I am excited to be able to work with such a talented squad, the executive team and the board to deliver for fans who are renowned for their steadfast support.”
Former Villarreal and Real Madrid boss Pellegrini takes over a club with huge financial resources who last season failed to launch a meaningful defence of the Premier League crown they won in 2012, allowing Manchester United to win it back with ease.
Defeat by Wigan Athletic, who were relegated from the top flight soon afterwards, in the FA Cup final capped the end of a disappointing campaign for City and their Arab owners, who also watched a second successive Champions League group-stage exit.
Pellegrini, known as ‘The Engineer’, has earned himself a reputation for building teams who play attractive, possession-based football which fits in with the style City have sought to play in recent seasons. (Agencies
