Manchester City believe they beat Manchester United and Chelsea to secure Pep Guardiola as their new manager, sources have told ESPN FC.
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Ever since he won 14 trophies in four years with Barcelona, including three domestic titles and two Champions League medals, Guardiola has the been the most sought after manager in the world.
City have been frustrated in that quest since they emerged as an English powerhouse following their takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group in 2008, a move that made them flush with Gulf Arab cash to lavish on star players.
Meanwhile, Pellegrini will leave City boasting a fine record of his own, having won 64 of his 99 Premier League games and the title in 2014. They face Dynamo Kiev in the last 16 this year, with the first leg on Feb 24.
“Out of respect for Manuel Pellegrini and the players, the club wishes to make its decision public to remove the unnecessary burden of speculation”.
At a press conference today, Pellegrini said, “I finish my contract in June”.
“Manuel Pellegrini, who is fully supportive of the decision to make this communication, is entirely focused on achieving his targets for the season ahead and retains the respect and commitment of all involved with the leadership of the Club”.
Indeed, as Bild’s report reveals, the Citizens are going for broke in their appointment of Pep as they look to establish their domestic dominance and crack the Champions League.
Toure and Guardiola worked together at Barcelona between 2008 and 2010 before the midfielder moved to the Premier League.
Guardiola will join City on a three-year contract, with the Manchester club confirming that the Spaniard had signed the deal.
“The contract is for three years. I also spoke to the club two weeks ago and said that I would do it”.
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“But I don’t think that it will be the same situation as he had in Spain, with Barcelona on the top level, or in Germany with Bayern on the top level”.
