Manuel Pellegrini has more than lived up to expectations delivering the greatest prize in English football, the Premier League title, which is City’s second crowning in three years.
The Chilean has constantly managed himself and his players with poise and has been rewarded for his efforts by piping Liverpool to the post on the final day, after securing a 2-0 win against West Ham.
At kick-off City only needed a point against the Londoners in order to hold off second-placed Liverpool and keep the Premier League trophy in Manchester for the fifth successive year.
“It has been a brilliant season,” said Pellegrini. “We were involved in all four competitions for longer than any other English team, and we won two of them as well so I am very happy.
“It was a disappointment to go out of Europe when we did and the Wigan defeat was tough to bear.
“But when you consider that we played 14 or 15 games more than Liverpool in the entire season then maybe if we had gone further than we did, I would not be sitting here speaking about winning the Premier League.”
Drama was at a minimum compared to the historic finale in 2012 which saw Sergio Aguero break Manchester United hearts with a 94th minute winner.
This Charming Man #ComeOnCity #mcfc pic.twitter.com/VnHwQYjjdz
— Guille Ramírez (@guilleramirez) May 11, 2014
On the 39th minute City fired in their 101st goal of the campaign after Samir Nasri’s low long-range shot proved too hot to handle for goalkeeper Adrian – which all but secured the title.
Early in the second half City’s captain, talisman and leader Vincent Kompany gleefully lashed home a Nasri corner from six yards out, which sent the Etihad into pandemonium and started the party way long before the final whistle.
“It is very special because in my first year here in England it is not easy. But I think that I manage a great group of players, a great institution and great fans,” added Pellegrini.
“When you achieve the title the whole year comes down to the hard work that we did during the difficult moments of the year, but I think that this was the best team in the Premier League.”
Under their South American boss City have seemingly had a found confidence and swagger that has propelled them to a season where they have claimed two items of silverware.
Pellegrini’s impact has been unprecedented by changing the focus of the team from defence to attack.
Manchester City’s whole outlook has changed under their new manager, whose calm approach has taught them not to panic as they have been known to do in recent campaigns.
Con mi papá Leonel y Noel Gallagher /With my father Leonel and @NoelGallagher pic.twitter.com/m8Rju7nbw6
— Sergio Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) May 11, 2014
“There were two key moments in the season,” he added. “One of them was at the beginning of the season when we had just four points from our first six away games. That is not too many points for a team that wants to win the title.
“At that moment, I spoke to the players and they said they believed in the way we were working, and that we should continue playing in the same way.
“I felt that too, because I did not think we had deserved to lose those points. From that moment until the end of the season I think we are the team that has taken more points playing away, so it was very important to carry on playing that way.
“The second moment was after the Liverpool game, when we did not deserve to lose 3-2.
“We never gave up hope that Liverpool could also lose points. We struggled in a difficult game against Sunderland straight afterwards when we could only draw, so it was not the best week but the team was never resigned to losing and we won our last five games to show our character.”
Vamos Argentina!!! pic.twitter.com/jM6FoNEDb2
— Pablo Zabaleta (@pablo_zabaleta) May 11, 2014
There were jubilant scenes at the Etihad with fans parading around the hallowed turf once the final whistle was blown.
Avid Blues fans Noel Gallagher and Jonny Marr were seen mixing with fellow fans and hugging the players in triumphant celebration.
After City’s last title victory their downfall was not adding to their league winning in the summer.
Pellegrini is sure to learn from Roberto Mancini’s mistake and will be in the market for one or two more faces to ensure City can retain their much deserved crown.
— Aleksandar Kolarov (@Kolarov13A) May 11, 2014
Main image courtesy of Manchester City FC via YouTube, with thanks.
