Manchester City have appointed Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini to succeed Roberto Mancini at the Etihad Stadium after signing a three-year deal.
The 59-year-old Chilean manager will take up his post on June 24 after his previous club announced Bernd Schuster as his replacement earlier today.
And the former Real Madrid manager believes the Citizens are going in the right direction and is determined to be a success in England.
“I am delighted to accept this hugely exciting opportunity,” he told City’s official website.
“The club has a clear vision for success both on and off the pitch and I am committed to making a significant contribution.
“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.”
The former Premier League champions have been managerless following Mancini’s sacking two days after losing the FA Cup final to Wigan Athletic.
But the Blues have been active in the transfer market since losing the title to Manchester United, signing Spanish winger Jesus Navas and Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho for nearly £50million.
City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak believes Pellegrini is an impressive candidate and is looking forward to the club’s long-term development under him.
“Manuel is a hugely experienced and successful manager with a proven track record,” he said.
“We have been greatly impressed throughout the selection process by his philosophy, his attitude and his commitment to the long term development of Manchester City.”
Pellegrini’s credentials also impressed City’s CEO Ferran Soriano – formerly of Barcelona – who believes his experience and approach to the game will stand the club in good stead.
“Manuel is a very experienced coach with a recognised ability to get the most out of his players and build cohesive teams,” he said.
“He shares the club’s approach to football and our ambition to achieve on field success, coordinating with the wider football support teams to ensure natural progression from the Academy to senior level.”
Pellegrini has managed in Spain for almost a decade, spending five seasons with Villarreal and guiding them to the Champions League semi-finals in 2006.
After spending only one season at the Santiago Bernabeu, he took over as Malaga boss in November 2010, gaining them Champions League qualification for the first time in their history last year.
Image courtesy of sntv, vua YouTube, with thanks.
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