Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola
Spaniard Coach, Pep Guardiola, will be the new manager at Manchester City as from the 2016 – 17 season, on a three-year deal, the club has confirmed.
Guardiola, who earlier confirmed he will be leaving German giants, Bayern Munich, had been a subject of a lot of speculation with both Manchester United and Chelsea rumoured to be in his pursuit.
However, on the transfer deadline day, City has confirmed that the coach will be replacing Manuel Pelegrini and the Citizens’ helm.
In a statement on the club’s website, City confirmed that the current manager is well appraised of the development and is in support of the communication being made but is focused on achieving his targets with the team in the current term.
“Manchester City can confirm that in recent weeks it has commenced and finalized 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,” the club statement read.
It remains to be seen how Nigerian youngster, Kelechi Iheanacho, who blossomed under Pellegrini will fare under the new incoming Manager.