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Diego Forlan learnt from the Manuel of Manchester City target Pellegrini
DIEGO FORLAN is certain that prospective Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini will provide them with the “holistic approach” they require after the bust-ups of the Roberto Mancini era.
Pellegrini resurrected the Uruguay striker’s career after he was branded a big-money flop at Manchester United and left for Villarreal in 2004. Forlan says Pellegrini’s thoughtful, philosophical style will be in complete contrast to Mancini, whose confrontational management and aloof manner with staff was a key factor in his dismissal.
Forlan said: “Manuel is an intelligent man who works hard. It’s not easy to be a good manager, but he makes it look easy.
“He is calm and measured. He’ll speak to you and take an interest. If things are not going so well, then he’ll talk to you and lift your confidence. We all respected his decisions and had a happy changing room. We were a team in the truest sense.”
Pellegrini talked of his management philosophy in a recent interview, saying: “You have to speak a lot to the players, have to make them feel what you expect of them.”
Malaga yesterday paved the way for Pellegrini’s move to City by telling him he is free to leave at the end of the season, waiving the compensation clause in his contract following their ban from European competition next season for financial reasons.
Reports suggest he has already agreed a two-year contract to take over from Mancini, although City remain silent on this.