Pep Guardiola said his celebrations with Liverpool substitutes Kostas Tsimkas and Arthur Melo after Manchester City's equaliser at the Etihad were just a joke and not a lack of respect.
12.03.2023 - 22:01 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Manuel Pellegrini returned to Manchester on Thursday evening as Real Betis manager as his side resumed their Europa League campaign.
The Chilean is fondly remembered by City supporters for his achievements during his time at the Etihad Stadium. In February 2016, City's board announced that Pellegrini would be leaving at the end of the season to make way for Pep Guardiola.
Guardiola has since taken the Blues to new heights but the groundwork Pellegrini laid is often overlooked. To mark his return to Manchester, MEN Sport has taken a look back at the former boss' time at the club and how it has helped to define modern-day City.
ALSO READ: City fans send message to Pellegrini after Europa League draw
When Pellegrini first arrived at City in 2013, he came in on the back of a disappointing campaign. Runners-up in the Premier League, an early League Cup exit, a Champions League departure at the group stages and a shock defeat in the FA Cup final to Wigan Athletic, spelled the end of Roberto Mancini's time in Manchester.
City were in need of a change and Pellegrini was the man who stepped up to the task. The Blues' 2013/14 season saw records tumble.
Pellegrini's new team became the fastest club in Premier League history to reach 100 goals in all competitions. Their prolific nature in front of goal would continue as they broke Manchester United's record for the most goals scored in a season (156 in all competitions).
After the disappointment of yet another group-stage exit in the Champions League the season prior, Pellegrini broke new ground. The Blues progressed from a group consisting of Bayern Munich, Viktoria Plzen and CSKA Moscow to reach the knockout stages of the elite competition.
A famous night in Munich saw City come
Pep Guardiola said his celebrations with Liverpool substitutes Kostas Tsimkas and Arthur Melo after Manchester City's equaliser at the Etihad were just a joke and not a lack of respect.
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City's Cancelo stance
Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini insisted his side would not give up in their Europa League tie with Manchester United, despite losing 4-1 in the first leg.
Manchester United will be looking to put last week's humiliating defeat behind them as Erik ten Hag's side face Real Betis in the Europa League Round of 16.
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Real Betis have confirmed their 23-man travelling squad for their Europa League last-16 first leg against Manchester United.