man city confirm pellegrini appointment

Manchester City have confirmed the appointment
of Manuel Pellegrini as their new manager on a
three-year deal - and he will start on June 24.
The Chilean's arrival has been widely expected
since 2012 Premier League-winning boss Roberto
Mancini was sacked a month ago.
The 59-year-old has agreed a three-year deal at
the Etihad Stadium and will officially take up his
post on June 24.
Pellegrini arrives from Spanish side Malaga, whom
he guided to the quarter-finals of the Champions
League last season.
He said: "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."
Pellegrini had been linked with City even before Mancini's
departure and the club did not deny interest after deciding to
make the change.
Pellegrini's appointment was expected to be ratified soon after
his final Malaga match on June 1, but the club are not
understood to have been concerned by the delay since.
Reports have suggested there may have been a hitch over the
terms of his exit from Malaga, but obstacles may have been
removed after the Spanish club confirmed Bernd Schuster as
Pellegrini's successor.
Pellegrini has more than 25 years' managerial experience.
Prior to moving to Malaga he led Villarreal to the last four of
the Champions League as well as a second-placed finish in La
Liga.
Those feats attracted the attention of Real Madrid and he spent
a single season in charge at the Bernabeu before making way
for Jose Mourinho in 2010.
He also arrives at City with a good reputation for man-
management, something which will have been a key factor in
his appointment. The club did have concerns in this area under
Mancini.
City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: "Manuel is a hugely
experienced and successful manager with a proven track
record.
"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.
"I am delighted that he has joined us."
Pellegrini does have a tough act to follow in fans' favourite
Mancini.
The Italian ended a 35-year trophy drought by overseeing FA
Cup success in 2011 and he topped that by following up with
dramatic Premier League success the following year.
His record in the Champions League did let him down,
however, with two group-stage exits, and last season's
runners-up domestic finish did represent a regression.
Pellegrini will be expected to improve upon this with chief
executive Ferran Soriano recently speaking of a target of five
trophies in the next five seasons.
He will bring with him three members of backroom staff.
Long-standing right-hand man Ruben Cousillas, from
Argentina, will be his assistant while Xabier Mancisidor will be
goalkeeping coach and Jose Cabello fitness coach.
Assistant manager Brian Kidd, who took caretaker charge of
the team after Mancini's exit, will also remain as part of the
set-up.
Pellegrini said: "It is important to me that Brian remains part of
the coaching team.
"He has great football knowledge, knows the league, the
players and will be a big part of what we try to achieve.
"We have spoken and we are all excited to work together."
Pellegrini will get to work with his new squad during a pre-
season programme which includes trips to Hong Kong, South
Africa, Germany and Finland.
He will need to integrate new players with City looking set for a
busy summer in the transfer market.
Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho and Spain winger Jesus
Navas have already been signed from Shakhtar Donetsk and
Sevilla respectively for a combined initial cost of almost
£45million.
City have also been heavily linked with moves for Malaga
playmaker Isco - whom Pellegrini has developed considerably
and with whom he shares an agent - and Napoli striker
Edinson Cavani.