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.”
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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.