Manchester City to get Pep talk: Guardiola to be Blues’ next manager

Spanish stalwart Pep Guardiola has signed a three-year contract to take over as Manchester City’s manager in July 2016, the Premier League club said on Monday.

Spanish stalwart Pep Guardiola has signed a three-year contract to take over as Manchester City’s manager in July 2016, the Premier League club said on Monday.

Pep Guardiola has signed a three-year contract to take over as Manchester City’s manager in July 2016. (Reuters Photo)

Manuel Pellegrini will be leaving his current post on June 30 after the end of the current season.

“Manchester City can confirm that in recent weeks it has commenced and finalised contractual negotiations with Pep Guardiola to become MCFC head coach for the 2016/17 EPL season onwards,” the club said in a statement.

“The contract is for three years. These negotiations were a re-commencement of discussions that were curtailed in 2012.

“Out of respect for Manuel Pellegrini and the players, the club wishes to make its decision public to remove the unnecessary burden of speculation.

“Manuel, who is fully supportive of the decision to make this communication, is entirely focused on achieving his targets for the season ahead and retains the respect and commitment of all involved with the leadership of the club.”