Pep Guardiola to be next Manchester City boss

Pep Guardiola will take over at Manchester City after the departure of Manuel Pellegrini next season, the club announced on Monday. The coveted 45-year-old, who won 14 trophies in four years for Barcelona, will join the Blues from Bayern Munich on a three-year deal.  

Guardiola during match against Hanover 96 on 5 December 2015 at HDI Arena, Hanover, Germany. REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer

Pep Guardiola made the headlines on Monday when he accepted a three-year contract to become Manchester City’s next coach, following the departure of Manuel Pellegrini next season.

The club added in their statement that Pellegrini was “fully supportive” of the decision.

Guardiola has held talks with City on and off during the last three years, amidst media speculation about which Premier League side might snatch the Spaniard.

“I need a new challenge. I don't want to end my career without an experience in England,” Guradiola told the press earlier this month.

Ever since he won 14 trophies in four years with Barcelona, including three domestic titles and two Champions League medals, Guardiola has the been the most sought after manager in the world.

In 2013 he joined Bayern Munich, who finished top of the league twice during the manager's two-year reign, but the Spaniard has never concealed his craving to compete in England.

Guardiola was linked with Chelsea, after the sacking of Jose Mourinho, as well as Manchester United, following poor results under Louis Van Gaal.

But it was finally Manchester City who closed the deal, after resuming negotiations that were curtailed in 2012.

Meanwhile, Pellegrini will leave City boasting a fine record of his own, having won 64 of his 99 Premier League games and the title in 2014.

The Chilean coach could also end his final season in style this year, as City could yet win four more trophies.

Currently second in the league behind Leicester City, the Blues are already through to the final of the League Cup, as well as the knockout stage of the Champions League.

They are also set to play Chelsea in the fifth round of the FA Cup, after thrashing MK Dons 5-1 on Sunday.

In his final season in Germany, Guardiola is expected to clench his third league title, as Bayern Munich lead the Bundesliga by eight points, ahead of rivals Borussia Dortmund.