Pellegrini reveals Guardiola announcement didn't help Man City

Pellegrini reveals Guardiola announcement didn't help Man City

Manuel Pellegrini says the announcement he would be replaced by Pep Guardiola this summer had a negative affect on Manchester City's season. 

City secured a place in next season's Champions League on Sunday with a draw at Swansea City, while they also won the League cup and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League. 

However, the over-riding feeling is that Pellegrini's side have underperformed this season. 

The Chilean coach said after his final game as the club's manager that the mid-season Guardiola reveal did not help things. 

"One of the most difficult things to finish this season was after they announced that this club would change next season," he said.

"We were involved in all the competitions. It’s not easy for the players to read everyday that 11 players will go out and they are finished.

"That’s why we are so proud of them about them that they try in the way they could - of course it’s not easy to do it. 

"But winning the League Cup after that announcement and reaching the semi-final and now reaching the Champions League spot – I am very proud of the squad I manage because they are very important players.”

Guardiola will take over from Pellegrini next month.