Manuel Pellegrini appointed Manchester City manager

image source: blogspot.com

Manchester City have confirmed  that Manuel Pellegrini is the club's new manager on a three-year deal starting June 24th.

The Chilean will replace Roberto Mancini who was sacked on 13 May after losing the FA Cup final against Wigan, is considered a very experienced manager especially in the Champions League having guided Villarreal to the competition semi-finals and Malaga to the last eight.

Pellegrini  said about his appointment: “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."

"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.”, he added.

Man City Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak also Commented on the appointment: "Manuel is a hugely experienced and successful manager with a proven track record."

Pellegrini had verbal agreement with Manchester City

source: skysports.com

Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini confirmed that he have reached a verbal agreement with Manchester City to become their manager next season.

The announcement didn't came as a surprise as the Chilean was linked with the Citizens even before Roberto Mancini was sacked earlier this month.

Pellegrini told television channel Canal Sur: "I have a verbal agreement with them and I hope it will become official, but I have not signed a contract yet."

"I like challenges and I am very excited by Manchester City's project, I want to win titles and play attractive football. Playing better football will definitely increase your chances of winning."

Manchester City sack Mancini

Manchester City confirmed that they have sacked Roberto Mancini after failing to defend the English Premiere League title, and suffering a huge upset in the FA cup final last week from Wigan.

The Italian manager joined the citizens in 2009 in the project that was hoping to become England and Europe big shot, but he only managed to win one FA cup and one big title which was the EPL last year.

However this year ended without winning any trophy and even being knocked out from the Champions League in the group stages for the second year in succession.

Malaga manager Manuel Pellegrini could be the man to take over after Mancini had been sacked and he should be announced in the coming days.  

The club full statement on their website was:

"It is with regret that Manchester City Football Club announces that Roberto Mancini has been relieved of his duties as Manchester City Manager."

"This has been a difficult decision for the owner, Chairman and Board to make and it is the outcome of a planned end of season review process that  has been brought forward in light of recent speculation and out of respect for Roberto and his extensive contributions to the Football Club."

They also added: "Despite everyone’s best efforts, the Club has failed to achieve any of its stated targets this year, with the exception of qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League. This, combined with an identified need to develop a holistic approach to all aspects of football at the Club, has meant that the decision has been taken to find a new manager for the 2013/14 season and beyond."

Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak tried to be as diplomatic as possible by saying: "Roberto’s record speaks for itself and he has the respect and gratitude of Sheikh Mansour, myself and the Board for all of his hard work and commitment over the last three and a half years. He has clearly also secured the love and respect of our fans. He has done as he promised and delivered silverware and success, breaking the Club’s 35-year trophy drought and securing the title in 2012. I would like to personally and publicly thank him for his dedication to the progress that he has overseen and for his support and continued friendship."

Assistant Manager Brian Kidd will be in charge for the rest of the season.