Sport

Cool Pellegrini just what Manchester City needs – the opposite of ‘on edge’ Mancini, says ex-Blue Niall Quinn

By John McDougall

There is a new wind in Manchester City’s sails and Manuel Pellegrini will steer the Etihad Stadium outfit to success, according to former Blues legend Niall Quinn.

The 59-year-old Chilean replaced Roberto Mancini as Citizens boss after the Italian ended last season trophyless, despite winning the Premier League and FA Cup in their previous two campaigns.

But after a series of bust-ups with both City’s board and the squad, Quinn feels Pellegrini’s calmer approach to management will bear fruit.

“Mancini appeared to be on the edge quite a lot and that bored through onto his team, but this man will do the opposite,” he told The Daily Star.

“I like what Pellegrini is about and what he has at his disposal at City. I think he has a dressing room that needed a bit of TLC.

“I think he is a very charismatic man. I was out in Hong Kong and I watched him in action around the players. Holistic is a word I would use to describe his interaction with the players.

“And I think that was what that dressing room badly needed. They are good enough to win it.”

Pellegrini has certainly put his stamp on the Citizens’ dressing room, bringing in Jesus Navas, Fernandinho, Alvaro Negredo and Stevan Jovetic into the Premier League giants.

He has also let Maicon, Kolo Toure, Carlos Tevez, Wayne Bridge and Roque Santa Cruz depart the Etihad Stadium as a £100million revamp takes effect.

Ex-Ireland striker Quinn spent seven seasons at Maine Road– City’s former ground – scoring 78 goals in 221 appearances.

The ex-Premier League champions begin their quest to win the title at home to Newcastle United next Monday.  

Image courtsy of MCFC via Youtube, with thanks.

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