Manchester City hires Manuel Pellegrini as new manager

Manchester: Manchester City has hired Manuel Pellegrini as the club’s new manager to replace the fired Roberto Mancini. The 59-year-old Chilean has been courted for months by City following impressive spells in Spain with Villarreal and Malaga. He also coached Real Madrid but was dismissed after one season despite guiding the team to its then-record points total in La Liga. [caption id=“attachment_872559” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Manuel Pellegrini will have to improve Manchester City’s results in Europe. AP[/caption] Pellegrini’s primary task will be to reclaim the Premier League title from Manchester United. But he will also be expected to improve City’s record in the Champions League after two straight exits at the group stage under Mancini despite heavy spending by the club’s Abu Dhabi owners. Pellegrini has signed a three-year contract and will begin his job on June 24. AP