Pellegrini named Mancini's successor at Manchester City
LONDON. June 15. KAZINFORM Manchester City hired Manuel Pellegrini as its new manager Friday and he was given the clear message that one of his tasks will be to develop younger players alongside the expensive stars bankrolled by wealthy owner Sheikh Mansour.
The 59-year-old Pellegrini signed a three-year contract and will begin his role as Roberto Mancini's successor on June 24, the English Premier League club said on its website.
Mancini steered City to its first top-flight title in 44 years in 2012 but last season it lagged 11 points behind Manchester United, struggled in Europe and suffered a shock defeat in the FA Cup final.
"Roberto did a great job, it's not easy to win the title after 43, 44 years," Pellegrini said. "But I think now we start a new cycle, adding to what Roberto has done."
The Chilean possesses 25 years of managerial experience, most recently coaching Spanish club Malaga. Like Jose Mourinho's return to Chelsea, Pellegrini was widely expected to join Manchester City following the departure of Mancini.
"He shares the club's approach to football and our ambition to achieve onfield success, coordinating with the wider football support teams to ensure natural progression from the Academy to senior level," said Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano.
After completing a reported $300 million takeover of Manchester City in 2008, Sheikh Mansour has proceeded to spend more than $600 million on players such as Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez and Yaya Toure.
In contrast, Manchester United's success over the past two decades was based partly on the fruits of its famed youth academy.
The likes of David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and the Neville brothers, Phil and Gary, came through the ranks to feature alongside marquee signings Eric Cantona, Peter Schmeichel and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Defending its league title last season, City finished a distant second after failing to sign striker Robin van Persie, who went to Manchester United from Arsenal.
A pair of younger players signed in the summer transfer window, Scott Sinclair and Jack Rodwell, failed to make an impact.
City couldn't escape the Champions League group stage for a second straight term, while Pellegrini's Malaga advanced to the quarterfinals last season for the first time, beaten by eventual finalist Borussia Dortmund.
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