Man City’s Pablo Zabaleta impressed by Manuel Pellegrini’s track record
Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta backs Manuel Pellegrini's potential appointment as Roberto Mancini's successor
Pablo Zabaleta has backed Manuel Pellegrini to be a success at Manchester City if the Chilean succeeds Roberto Mancini.
The Málaga manager is currently the frontrunner to become the next Citizens boss after confirming he will leave the La Liga outfit in the summer.
Zabaleta, who worked with the 59-year-old during his spell at San Lorenzo, has been impressed by Pellegrini’s impact at Villarreal, Real Madrid and Málaga.
“When I was at San Lorenzo with him, I was in the second team,” said Zabaleta.
“I don’t really know him that well as a person but what I do know is that he’s done well at Real Madrid, Malaga, and Villarreal. Now we will see how he will do at Manchester City if he comes.
“After he left San Lorenzo he went to River Plate. He was always keen on youth development and won important things there as well. That makes him a good manager.”
He added: “He did well when we were at San Lorenzo.
“He had success there, he built a good team and then when he went to Villarreal he took a club who had been in the third division to playing in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
“They played Arsenal and were within a penalty kick of going to the final.
“He did great at Madrid as well and hopefully if he comes to City he can just carry that on with us.
“He’s a very quiet person. But he likes to play attractive football. Also his record in Europe is great – and that’s something we haven’t done so well in recent seasons.”
