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As the blue-half of Manchester rejoice, it’s time to give credit where it’s due. As the months of January, February and March saw the media build up this year’s title race to be the closest ever, the final week ended in an anti-climatic fashion.
Headlines, back pages and football pundits on television united in their cause to push for Liverpool to end their twenty-four year title drought. After that famous slip by Steven Gerard which led to Chelsea’s ‘double bus’ win, the season quickly turned from exciting to dull.
The romance of Liverpool winning the title took the gloss away from Manchester City’s thirty-eight match effort. Season 2013/14 will therefore become known for the season where Liverpool lost it, rather than City winning it.
After their defeat at Anfield, City was resigned to third place as Liverpool and Chelsea overtook them on the ladder.
Through the togetherness and strong belief instilled in them by their manager all season, they kept performing until they were certain it was truly over.
Pellegrini ended his ten-year quest for a European league trophy and the humble Chilean did it in style. The league’s best attacking side thrilled crowds all year with a flawless and beautiful brand of football.
City, who won their second title in three years, were consistent all season. Yes they conceded, yes they lost matches, but more importantly they did not succumb to pressure. Their campaign was quiet while Pellegrini carried on with the job.
Directly after their win against West Ham, the first non-European manager to guide a team to the English title told Sky Sports, “It’s a very special time, my first year is not easy to get used to English football but I think I managed a great group of players.”
Though, for reasons unknown, his efforts have been somewhat ignored in favour of other managers who provoke the media. He stayed clear of the spotlight and just focused on the prize.
It certainly wasn’t pretty and there were times where people doubted his ability, especially after the home loss to Mourinho’s Chelsea and City’s disappointing campaign in Europe.
But to his credit his ability to forget temporary failures became the reason for City’s ultimate victory.
Even during their thirteen-match unbeaten streak he remained humble and respectful, rarely congratulating his side in a public forum to attract attention. He kept his opinions private and in-house and went along with business in a calm manner.
The Chilean’s ethos to management was quiet but effective and was received well by his players, who respected him and more importantly believed in him.
Most will narrow City’s win due to the millions of dollars spent on the transfer market, but to garner these stars and to get them to work together as one is no easy task.
He seems confident in his abilities and more importantly he seems confident at the Etihad. Txiki Begiristain, Khaldoon al Mubarak and Manuel Pellegrini are united in their vision.
The harmony evident this season by this triumvirate could prove to be the beginning of a formidable force that will dominate England and Europe for years to come. This year has given him valuable experience as he looks to ensure improvement next season.
Pellegrini learnt how to get through tough games and how to deal with injury setbacks which almost proved costly for City this year.
As he looks to next season, Pellegrini will remain in favour with the board due to this victory. As a result it will give him the freedom to create his own team as they look to the future. He will attempt to plug holes and consolidate his team as he looks to more domestic wins and the daunting task of winning in Europe.
The alarming thing is there is still much more improvement in his side as this off season will no doubt be another busy one for City. But for now congratulations are in order, Bravo Manuel, Bravo.
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