Manchester City confirms Guardiola will succeed Pellegrini at end of season
No more speculation.
After months of consistent, rampant rumours suggesting outgoing Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola would join Manchester City at the conclusion of the season, the club moved to finally confirm what has devolved into the worst-kept secret in football.
During a press conference Monday, Manuel Pellegrini announced he is leaving the club at season's end, and mere minutes later, the Citizens revealed the impending arrival of Guardiola, who will arrive this summer with a three-year contract in tow.
"Out of respect for Manuel Pellegrini and the players, the club wishes to make its decision public to remove the unnecessary burden of speculation," read a statement.
"Manuel Pellegrini, who is fully supportive of the decision to make the communication, is entirely focused on achieving his targets for the season ahead and retains the respect and commitment of all involved with then leadership of the club."
The Chilean, 62, assumed control at City in 2013, leading the club to both Premier League and League Cup glory in the 2013-14 season. Of his 99 Premier League matches on the touchline, Pellegrini has led his side to victory 64 times - a record eclipsed only by Jose Mourinho, who won 73 of his first 99 league games at the helm of Chelsea.
(Courtesy: Sky Sports)
And yet, it's nearly impossible to find someone who doesn't view the move as a step forward for Manchester City, a club rife with financial resources that has yet to take the next step and establish itself as a consistent threat to win Europe's most prestigious honour: the Champions League.
Enter Guardiola.
Widely viewed as the most tactically astute manager on the planet, the man largely accepted as the world's best will arrive at the Etihad with a clear objective in mind: success on the continental stage.
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Guardiola, 45, announced in December that he would be leaving Bayern Munich, with City the longstanding favourite to land his signature. Indeed, Monday's statement confirmed negotiations between the two sides began some four years ago.
"These negotiations were a re-commencement of discussions that were curtailed in 2012."
The decorated bench boss will now look to add to his already bloated trophy cabinet, one that includes three La Liga championships, two Bundesliga crowns - likely to be three by season's end - and two Champions League titles.