Manuel Pellegrini

Manuel Pellegrini – a famous former footballer from Chile – is currently the second most honored coach from South America.

The start of Pellegrini’s career as a coach was not that successful: the season became the worst in the history of Universidad de Chile as the team was relegated from the First division. However, Manuel did not lose hope and later signed with Palestino followed by a contract with O’Higgins. In 1994, he became head coach of Universidad Católica and made a move: he invited skillful Chilean players to the team. It all bore fruit almost immediately: in 1995, the team won Copa Chile and Copa Interamericana.

In 2004, the coach signed a contract with Villareal CF. In 2009, he became head coach of Real Madrid CF but failed to complete his 2-year contract and was fired on May 26, 2010.

On November 5, 2010, Málaga CF presented Pellegrini as their new head coach. Manuel helped the team to make it to the Champions League of 2012/2013 for the first time, where Malaga reached the quarterfinal stage. Under Pellegrini Malaga qualified for Europa League in 2013 but was deprived of the place in the tournament due to financial problems.

The Chilean specialist quit at the end of 2012/2013 amid rumors he would follow up at ambitious Manchester City. In June 2013 Pellegrini was officially named the new Manchester City manager.