Pellegrini - Appointed

[Bluemoon]

Manuel Pellegrini Odds-on to be Next Manchester City Boss After Surge in Bets

Malaga manager Manuel Pellegrini has been backed in to 1/4 favourite to be the next manager of Manchester City following a series of hefty bets on Friday.

City compete in the FA Cup final on Saturday in what could be current boss Roberto Mancini's fourth major honour at the club after the 2010-11 FA Cup, last season's Premier League title and the 2012 Community Shield.

However, City's below-par defence of the Premier League title this season has left Mancini's position tentative, with rivals Manchester United having comfortably wrapped up the league in April.

In contrast, former Villarreal boss Pellegrini has rebuilt his career at Malaga after underachieving at Real Madrid in 2009-10 and has been linked with a series of elite jobs, including Chelsea (12/1), Arsenal (20/1) and PSG (12/1).

Sky Bet's Chris Spicer said: "We're not sure where the Pellegrini to City rumours stem from, but we've had no shortage of three-figure bets from serious punters, even at odds-on.

"We've had no choice but to shorten the price to protect ourselves in the event of another shock announcement from Manchester. Incidentally, Jose Mourinho is a distant second favourite at 16/1."








Biography:

• Manuel Luis Pellegrini Ripamonti - Santiago, Chile
  
  
• DOB: 16 September 1953 59 years old
  
  
• Current Club: Málaga CF
  

[Bluemoon]

Sky sources have said manager Roberto Mancini will be sacked by Manchester City.

The development comes a day after Manchester City suffered a shock defeat in the FA Cup final, losing 1-0 to Wigan at Wembley.

The defeat meant a trophy-less campaign for the big-spending team.

City exited the Champions League in the group stage for the second successive season, and fell behind Manchester United in the Premier League race, with United eventually winning the title with four games to go.

Reports over the past days said Malaga's Manuel Pellegrini had been approached to replace Mancini.

[Bluemoon]

Manuel Pellegrini Denies Deal to Replace Roberto Mancini

Malaga's Manuel Pellegrini has denied he has agreed a deal to replace Roberto Mancini as Manchester City manager.

After losing the FA Cup final to Wigan on Saturday, Mancini criticised City's owners for not quashing reports that a deal with Pellegrini, 59, was done.

But Chilean Pellegrini told Malaga's website: "I categorically deny that I am the new Manchester City coach.

"I have an agreement with Malaga not to talk to anyone and nothing has been agreed with any other outfit."

He added: "Nothing has been signed and no agreement reached. I've been fortunate enough, and very proud, that every year the big clubs are interested in me.

"I hope the future of this club will become somewhat clearer in the next few days."

Mancini took over from Mark Hughes in December 2009, leading City to the FA Cup in 2011 and the Premier League title a year later.

City officials met with with Pellegrini's agent, Jesus Martinez, in April. Martinez also represents Malaga midfielder Isco, a reported target for the Blues.

Mancini said he did not know why the meeting had taken place.

Pellegrini, who has previously had spells in charge of Real Madrid and Villarreal, took charge of Malaga in November 2010.

In his first full season in charge, he guided Malaga to fourth in La Liga and Champions League qualification for the first time.

Malaga reached the last eight of the Champions League, before being knocked out by Dortmund. They are currently sixth in La Liga.

They will not play in European competition next term after being banned by Uefa over unpaid bills.



BBC Sport

[malcinblue]

We all had a bad feeling when the speculation in the press reached fever point on Saturday - well done boys, what a time to launch this offensive. Nobody will convince me that this didn't have a direct effect on our performance.
I can't make my mind up whether the players underperformed in protest at the threatened approach for Malaga's Manuel Pellegrini or maybe the opposite to get rid of Mancini. I would be mighty disappointed if either was the case.
After watching that mess at Wembley unfold and then getting drenched to the skin getting back to the tube the realisation that the season had entered freefall hit me like a Nigel de Jong tackle.
So it's so long Bob and thanks for the ride - whatever the reasons it's been a hell of lot of fun.

[Bluemoon]

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.

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 said: “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 take interim responsibility for the remaining two games of the season and the post-season tour to the United States.

[Bluemoon]

May 13, 2013 23:13:34 GMT 1 malcinblue said:

So it's so long Bob and thanks for the ride - whatever the reasons it's been a hell of lot of fun.

Agreed.

[Bluemoon]

David Platt

With regret Manchester City announce that David Platt has this afternoon left his role as Assistant Manager at the Club.

David was offered the opportunity to continue his work with us but has declined the invitation. He has decided to leave his role with his close friend Roberto Mancini.

David has made a significant contribution to the Club’s success since joining in 2010 and we wish him well with his career wherever that now takes him.

[Bluemoon]

Pellegrini 'Agrees Two-Year Deal' With Man City as Malaga Reveal Coach is Free to Leave

Malaga have revealed that incoming Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini is free to leave the Spanish club.

According to local reports, the Chilean has agreed a two-year deal at the Etihad to replace Roberto Mancini, who was sacked on Monday night.

Sportsmail exclusively revealed that City would formally approach Pellegrini, although the Malaga boss was not the only manager considered to take over from Mancini

One other top European coach featured on the Etihad regime’s wanted list, but City have decided on 59-year-old Pellegrini.

Sportsmail has learnt that the unnamed manager was not Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho as City’s sporting director Txiki Begiristain scoured Europe after a disappointing – but hardly disastrous – season for Mancini.


Pellegrini, 59, has verbally agreed to take over at City and that could be close after Malaga's announcement and those reports in Chile. But he is also being monitored by Barcelona amid concerns over the ability of Tito Vilanova, who has undergone treatment for cancer, to continue as coach at the Nou Camp.

[trautmansdropkick]

Well, now we will DEFINITELY see some improvement in our 'alleged tactics' now that Platt has gone. This is one Blue who is happy to see Platt go.

[Bluemoon]

Man City target Manuel Pellegrini announces he will leave Malaga

Malaga manager Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed he will leave the Spanish club this summer.

His announcement clears the way for a move to Manchester City, where he is widely expected to succeed sacked manager Roberto Mancini.

The 59-year-old announced his exit at an awards ceremony in Malaga, with the club confirming it later on Wednesday.

"I'm not leaving because of financial ambition, but because of a project that will let me feel fulfilled," he said.

"On Sunday, I will take charge of my last match at the Rosaleda, Everyone has the right to follow their own path.

"I would like to thank the owners of the club for putting their trust in me."

The Chilean, who has previously managed Villarreal and Real Madrid, led Malaga to the Champions League quarter-finals in 2012-13. They were knocked out by finalists Borussia Dortmund.

It was Malaga's inaugural Champions League campaign, having qualified by finishing fourth in Pellegrini's first full season in charge.

"Malaga has a story without Manuel Pellegrini, and is also going to have a future without Manuel Pellegrini," he said.

"My coaching staff and I have separated from Malaga but our union with this city will be eternal."

Manchester City, the 2012 Premier League champions, dismissed Mancini with two games of the 2013 season to go after failing to retain the title and losing 1-0 in the FA Cup final to Wigan Athletic.

Mancini's assistant Brian Kidd is currently managing the team on their tour to America.

Pellegrini, a former Chile international, also guided Villarreal into Europe's top competition for the first time in their history during his time as their manager between 2004 and 2009.

The club reached the semi-finals in 2006 before being beaten by Arsenal.

Pellegrini took over at Real Madrid in June 2009 but only lasted a season at the Bernabeu.

Real won 31 of their 38 league games in 2009-10 but finished runners-up behind Barcelona, while they were knocked out of the Champions League at the last-16 stage by French side Lyon.

[trautmansdropkick]

With Pellegrini also talking about a 'project' and the way the Manchester Evening News' has stated that, with Claudio Reina at New York City, that all City teams, First, EDL, Under 18's etc. and the new City Ladies, will all play the same style of football, it seems that this deal is very, very close to becoming a done deal.

[Bluemoon]

Manchester City Poised to Confirm Manuel Pellegrini
as Roberto Mancini Replacement Within 24 Hours

Manuel Pellegrini will be confirmed as Manchester City manager within the next 24 hours having already outlined his plans for the club in a meeting with Txiki Begiristain and Brian Marwood in Spain last week.

The Chilean will succeed the sacked Roberto Mancini at the Etihad Stadium after resigning as Málaga coach at the end of the La Liga season earlier this month.

But with the 59 year-old currently on a family holiday, City have no plans to unveil their new manager with a press conference this week, opting instead to issue confirmation of his appointment following negotiations dating back to earlier this year.

It is understood, however, that Pellegrini held face-to-face discussions with director of football Begiristain and Marwood, managing director of City’s Academy, last week to fine tune squad issues and pre-season logistics before heading off on holiday.

Pellegrini has already overseen the £14.9 million purchase of Sevilla winger Jesus Navas and the £30m signing of Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fernandinho and the club remain in pursuit of Napoli forward Edinson Cavani, despite competition from Chelsea, Real Madrid and Paris Saint Germain.

With Pellegrini expected to be officially unveiled at a press conference in early July, the new manager will begin his reign in charge during a two-game tour of South Africa next month.

[trautmansdropkick]

Some people seem concerned that we haven't seen all the 'bells and whistles' press conferences yet. The club are 'relaxed' about situation and that there are only 'technocalities' to conclude.

I wonder if it is about getting a Government Work Permit as he is a South American and not a European with right of access - like it seems most of Europe is right now.

[Bluemoon]

Manchester City appoint Chilean as Manager

Manuel Pellegrini has been confirmed as the new manager of Manchester City after signing a three-year contract.

The 59-year-old Chilean arrives from Spanish club Malaga and fills the role vacated by Italian Roberto Mancini, who was sacked by the club in May.

"I am delighted to accept this hugely exciting opportunity," said Pellegrini.

"The club has a clear vision for success both on and off the pitch and I am committed to making a significant contribution."

Pellegrini helped Malaga qualify for the Champions League during the 2011/12 season and led them to the quarter-finals of the competition.

He managed in South America before joining Spanish side Villarreal in 2004 and then Real Madrid in 2009.

More to follow