The Manuel Pellegrini Years (2013–2016)

Lore & Background

Pellegrini was appointed manager of Manchester City on 14 June 2013. He won the Football League Cup and Premier League in his first season, becoming the first manager from outside Europe to manage a team to the Premier League title. The title-winning season was also noted for goal scoring prowess, with City scoring 151 goals in all competitions – an English football record. Pellegrini also managed to take Manchester City to their first ever Champions League semi-final in 2015–16, which was his last season, after finishing in fourth place in the league.

In Their Own Story

The noise of the Etihad Stadium reached a fever pitch as the clock ticked past the ninety-minute mark. It was May 2014, and the Premier League title hung in the balance. Manuel Pellegrini stood on the touchline, his arms crossed, watching Sergio Agüero burst into space. With one touch, he squared it; with another, he fired home. The roar of the crowd was deafening as the final whistle blew moments later, confirming that Manchester City had finally conquered England's top flight.

Reader's Guide

Pellegrini's tenure at Manchester City lasted from 14 June 2013 to the end of the 2015–16 season. He won the Premier League and Football League Cup in 2013–14. In 2015–16, he led City to their first ever Champions League semi-final and finished fourth in the league. He was succeeded after that season.

Did You Know?

• Manuel Pellegrini became the first manager from outside Europe to manage a team to the Premier League title.
• Manchester City scored 151 goals in all competitions in the 2013–14 season, an English football record.
• Pellegrini took Manchester City to their first ever Champions League semi-final in 2015–16.