Flashback: Man City announce Pep Guardiola

In February 2016, Man City announced the huge news that Pep Guardiola would be joining the club at the end of that season.

This would bring the end of Manuel Pellegrini’s tenure at the Etihad, one that had brought him a Premier League title and a League Cup, with his second coming later that month.

Guardiola was a manager that had a huge pedigree and was expected to bring a huge amount to Man City. This was a man that had won three La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey’s and two Champions Leagues with Barcelona and three Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich. He was undeniably one of the most respected managers in the world, known for developing teams that play attractive football.

Consequently, there were plenty of Man City fans that could not hide their excitement over the Spaniard’s arrival. Equally, there were plenty of fans that sympathised with Pellegrini, and berated The Cityzens for their unprofessional treatment of the Chilean.

This is what the fans had to say:

@PepTeam Gonna be the Best Manager of @MCFC.

— UTSAV (@utsav143) February 1, 2016

@MCFC looking forward to seeing Pep in Premierleague will be good for English football #Leedsfan

— ben harris (@Dirtyleeds1985) 1 February 2016

@MCFC doubt whether it’s a good timing but still an exciting news.

— Ng Lok Yeung (@herbertng95) 2 February 2016

@MCFC respect! Haha.. Disgraceful treatment, but I’m sure his 10m payoff won’t bother him

— _lwrs_9 (@lwrs79) 1 February 2016

@MCFC Massive appointment showing the clubs intentions going forward. Massive respect for MP & hope he can finish in style #4down4togo

— Martin Pickles (@portugalpix) 1 February 2016

On the other hand, these fans defended Pellegrini:

@MCFC shame on you guys! Pellegrini made this club to be SOMETHING…

— Paula (@paulita72) 2 February 2016

@MCFC really guys? Smacking Pelegrini off just because of Guardiola? He still got his chance to win 4 title this season. Wtf guys, wtf!

— Ravian Nugraha (@ravian_n) 2 February 2016