Most people felt some sympathy for Manuel Pellegrini when it was announced he was leaving and five minutes later that Pep Guardiola was arriving at Manchester City.
That development back in February shocked everyone, but the announcement soon after seemed almost cruel. In the big money stakes of the Premier League nothing should surprise us, however, the way in which Pellegrini conducted himself was typical of the man, who has not done too much wrong at the Etihad.
There is always speculation about players and managers and when asked about his position previously, Pellegrini always diplomatically answered: “I do not comment on rumours.”
Then came the news story of the day. “I have talked with the club and I will finish my contract on the original date,” he said. “I signed a contract for one year more with the clause that the club or me not use that extension. So I will finish on the original date. It’s to end the speculation. They are not doing anything behind my back, but I don’t think it’s good to keep up the speculation. I’d prefer to end it today, that’s why I told the press and the players.”
According to Spanish football expert Guillem Balague, Manchester City timed the announcement to give Pellegrini maximum visibility. “Timing of the announcement very much a Pellegrini’s decision,” Balague tweeted. “He wanted the world (top clubs) to know he’s available.”
On his final day at City, Pellegrini will be able to walk tall through the exit door and should be thanked for his management at this fast developing club. There should be no bad feeling, and a car waiting to whisk him away to pastures new.
The Chilean manager was appointed boss of Manchester City in June 2013 and gained his first role at a Premier League club after a hugely successful nine-year spell in Spain.
Having previously enjoyed success with Universidad Catolica in his native Chile before moving to Argentina and then Spain, Pellegrini has enjoyed quite a bit of success wherever he has been. His previous roles included Malaga, before joining City, and he was at Real Madrid after a remarkable five-year journey at Villarreal. In one season at the Santiago Bernabeu, his side accrued a club record 96 points in the league, finishing just three points behind title winners Barcelona.
In his first campaign as Man City manager, Pellegrini’s team won the Barclays Premier League and lifted the League Cup, while Pellegrini followed up his maiden title with a runners-up finish in the 2014/15 campaign.
Now City are in the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time and have found their form at just the right time in the Premier League.
This ultimately is a manager worth recruiting. The usual game of managerial musical chairs will begin soon all over Europe and the City boss will have his pick of the available jobs.
Within the Premier League, the only possible option could be Everton, who look likely to part ways with the current incumbent. However, Pellegrini will likely be looking for a top job and a possible move back to Spain.
With Valencia now stabilising after Gary Neville’s exit, Pellegrini may well be the manager to take them onto that next step. His experience both in Europe and with La Liga would prove invaluable and the club would certainly benefit massively.
PSG would also be a possibility considering that Laurent Blanc is yet to agree a new contract and their owners want Champions League success. The club are in the ludicrous situation of being 26 points ahead, and 50 goals superior in terms of goal difference, of second placed Lyon. Good fit? He Could be.
The Middle East or China would certainly give him a massive pension, but this man appears to want the bigger stage and make his mark, which is why the next suggestion could be one for the 62-year-old to consider.
His national team, Chile, have only recently appointed Juan Antonio Pizzi after Jorge Sampaoli guided La Roja to the Copa America on home soil. What if Chile fail at the Copa America Centenario this summer? Maybe Pellegrini will need to consider an altogether different offer.
All of this goes to prove that one clubs cast off could be another clubs treasure.
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