MANCHESTER, England (AP) – Manuel Pellegrini has cause to feel resentment at being handed his notice by Manchester City, even though the mild-mannered Chilean isn’t showing it.
When he is replaced as coach by Pep Guardiola at the end of the season, Pellegrini might just have become the most successful manager in the club’s 136-year history.
City’s travelling support showed its love for Pellegrini during the 1-0 win over Sunderland on Tuesday, serenading him with a full repertoire of songs throughout the first half. Sergio Aguero might have scored the only goal of the game during that time, but it was Pellegrini’s name being sung loud and proud.
“The fans think the world of him, the players think the world of him,” City goalkeeper Joe Hart said.
The game at Stadium of Light was the start of a long farewell for Pellegrini after Monday’s announcement that Guardiola will be joining on a three-year deal starting in July.