Pep Guardiola, who is currently the manager of Bayern Munich, will finally make his long-anticipated move to England and become the manager of Manchester City on July 1st, signing a three-year agreement.
Guardiola recplaces Manuel Pellegrini, who has been the team’s manager since starting in 2013.
The club issued a statement, that said:
Manchester City can confirm that in recent weeks it has commenced and finalised contractual negotiations with Pep Guardiola to become MCFC 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.
Guardiola has long been rumored to make the jump to England, and Manchester City specifically, after successful coaching stints in Germany and Spain. In two years plus at Bayern, Guardiola has already won the Bundesliga twice (going on three times with an eight point lead over Borussia Dortmund this season), a German Cup, and a FIFA Club World Cup. Before taking over at Bayern, Guardiola blossomed into one of the world’s best managers at Barcelona, winning three league titles and two Champions League crowns.
In spite of Pellegrini’s success (one EPL title and one League Cup), Manchester City is clearly hoping Pep will be able to take the club to the next level.
