Manuel Pellegrini is on the cusp of his 37th season as a coach. At 70, the Chilean’s career spans six nations, with triumphs in five and over 1,500 matches under his stewardship.
Regarded as a legend in England, Pellegrini spent time managing Real Madrid, Manchester City (where he won the Premier League, the EFL Cup, and led the team to its first-ever Champions League semifinal), and West Ham (where he was fired after eighteen months, when the team was ranked seventeenth).
In Argentina, he also won league titles with San Lorenzo and River Plate. He led Villarreal to their inaugural Champions League semifinal in 2006. Pellegrini won the Copa del Rey in 2022 with Real Betis, the team he currently manages. This season’s fourth consecutive European campaign is a historic achievement for the team.
In a conversation with BBC Sport during Betis’ pre-season tour in San Diego, Pellegrini reflected on his career.
Did You Pave the Way for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City?
I knew before I joined that they wanted Pep Guardiola. He had worked with [chief executive] Ferran Soriano and [sporting director] Txiki Begilistain at Barcelona. Months earlier, they had approached me with their plans for Pep. Manuel Pellegrini was their choice if he declined.
Pep went to Bayern Munich, and I spent three years at City, transforming the style from [Roberto] Mancini’s era as they wanted. We found success.
The Manchester City of today is vastly different. In my first year, we signed players, but the second year saw restrictions due to a UEFA punishment. With Kevin de Bruyne and Raheem Sterling, the third season saw advancements.
Since then, Manchester City has made significant investments in elite players, positioning itself alongside Real Madrid as one of the greatest in the world.
I had no qualms about leaving. I have faith in them to continue growing because of their motivation and football acumen. Working with Txiki and Ferran gave me a sense of security since I knew that my contract would be upheld even in the event of certain difficulties.
The club’s growth has been relentless. Post-City, I received significant offers, particularly from Italy, but for various reasons, those didn’t materialize. Three years in Manchester sufficed.
Thoughts on City’s Premier League Charges?
I’m certain Manchester City fans are delighted with the club’s operations, style of play, and their trophy haul over the years. Criticism is inevitable.
Reflections on West Ham?
I longed to be back in the Premier League, even though I knew that going back to England with West Ham was not the best decision. Although the club’s strategy was radically different from Manchester City’s, the first season wasn’t too disastrous. A few poor moments led to managerial changes.
They knew the sacrifices I made to join West Ham, leaving a contract in China. The aspiration to improve began in my first year, and they invested more. Yet, when challenges arose, they dismissed me, a practice I don’t favor.
West Ham’s fans are extraordinary—50,000 strong, with immense passion. I have no grievances against them; their support was unwavering.
In hindsight, had I waited after my stint in China, I might have joined another club. But West Ham’s enthusiasm convinced me.
What Keeps You Motivated to Coach?
Success is achieving what the club needs. I can’t aim for La Liga or the Champions League with Betis, but we’ve had four successful years.
Winning the Copa del Rey was surreal—300,000 people filled the streets.
At Malaga, we had the club’s best seasons. When we lost to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-finals, 5,000 fans greeted us at 4 am.
Similarly, at Villarreal, achieving the best season in the club’s history was immensely satisfying.
Do You Feel Overlooked Compared to Guardiola, Klopp, and Ancelotti?
Not at all. They’ve spent years with top teams, winning numerous titles. I compare myself with my achievements. Working 24 years abroad, having the best seasons at multiple clubs, brings immense satisfaction, akin to winning titles with a big team. I’m proud of my career.
Do You Aspire to Manage Internationally?
To conclude my career, I’d like to manage Chile’s national team. But I prefer club management for daily interactions and player development. National teams offer limited contact, which is challenging.
I’ve had several offers to coach Chile. Perhaps someday I’ll accept, but for now, I’m committed to Betis.
How Do You Unwind?
Music. All genres. Spanish, English. ’60s, ’70s, ’80s… ’90s not so much.
Music profoundly affects moods, evoking memories and emotions. It’s integral to my life—The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Boleros, Elvis.
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