Guardiola to succeed Pellegrini at Manchester City

Pep Guardiola has been appointed manager of Manchester City from next season, the Premier League club said.

The current Bayern Munich coach has signed a contract with City for three years and will replace Chilean Manuel Pellegrini.

City said in a statement: “Manchester City can confirm that in recent weeks it has commenced and finalised contractual negotiations with Pep Guardiola to become MCFC head coach for the 2016-17 EPL season onwards.”

“The contract is for three years. These negotiations were a re-commencement of discussions that were curtailed in 2012.”

“Out of respect for Manuel Pellegrini and the players, the club wishes to make its decision public to remove the unnecessary burden of speculation.”

“Manuel, 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.”

City’s statement revealed that Guardiola had been a candidate to replace former manager Roberto Mancini. Pellegrini replaced Mancini at City in 2013 and took them to a Premier League and League Cup double the following season.

“I finish here on June 30,” Pellegrini confirmed.

“There’s been lots of speculation, nothing done behind me but I don’t think it is good to have the speculation so that is why I told the press and the players.”

Guardiola had announced late last year his intention to leave Bayern at the end of the season and said his future would be in the Premier League.

The Spaniard has won five titles with Bayern since 2013 following 14 titles with Barcelona.

German champions and league leaders Bayern are chasing a treble of league, cup and Champions League trophies, while City are in the running for four trophies – the league, FA Cup, league cup and Champions League.

Source: GNA