Not that it needed much confirming, but Manchester City have emitted an official statement via their club website to announce that Pep Guardiola will take over as head coach next season.
Pellegrini now both literally and figuratively looks like a dead man walking.
— Tim Stillman (@Stillberto) February 1, 2016
City’s statement reads thus:
Manchester City can confirm that in recent weeks it has commenced and finalized contractual negotiations with Pep Guardiola to become (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.
You’ve got to give it to Kicker. They were right all along.
As we’ve previously stated, the style clash may prove to be an interesting issue. City’s laconic team are almost the embodiment of Pellegrini’s softly-spoken, low key approach – sitting at total odds with Guardiola’s frantic, manic-obsessive tweaking.
Yaya ain’t going to last five minutes.