Amid all the celebrations at the Etihad following Manchester City’s Premier League title triumph, Manuel Pellegrini still looked a little uncomfortable in the spotlight.
He smiled and savoured the occasion, but perhaps he was not used to going overboard as this was his first league success after a decade coaching in Europe.
He came close at Real Madrid, did sterling work at Villarreal and Malaga without topping La Liga, but, with City, he finally went from nearly man to top man and deserved plaudits from all quarters.
The fact he has managed to remain so calm and collected throughout this tense, titanic title race is something to admire.
He also remained dignified under duress. Only once did he lose his cool, and it wasn’t by the goading and barbs from his old rival, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, but the performance of referee Jonas Eriksson following City’s 2-0 home loss to Barcelona in the Champions League.
It was a rare emotional outburst from the Chilean, who clearly felt the pain of defeat in a competition that mattered so much to him and the club. When it came to domestic matters, though, Pellegrini kept his composure when others may have struggled to cope with the intense pressure and expectation.
After the fiery personality of Roberto Mancini who divided the playing ranks with a confrontational approach, Pellegrini has united them by providing encouragement.
He brought back a togetherness and it was reflected on the pitch with the way they played. It was spirited and so often sensational.
Despite Arsenal’s fine early-season form and Liverpool’s scintillating spell in the second period, City WERE the best team. They were more consistent, had more quality from back to front and their cavalier style made them a joy to watch.
They were one goal shy of Chelsea’s Premier League record of 103, but a tally of 156 in all competitions was unprecedented and nine more than the Blues managed last season.
Edin Dzeko went from bit-part player under Mancini to brillian tunder Pellegrini with 26 goals, and five of them crucially in the run-in as City overhauled Liverpool.
Keeper Joe Hart was dropped after high-profile mistakes, but was given a second chance and never looked back.
Many called for Martin Demichelis and Javi Garcia to be ditched in January after struggling to reach the high standards expected at City. But Pellegrini kept faith and the pair have been vastlyimproved and played a major part in their five-match winning run to the championship.
Aleksandar Kolarov and Samir Nasri also had new leases of life under Pellegrini after struggles when working with Mancini.
Pellegrini gave players his trust to show off their talent. And that has been Pellegrini’s biggest strength, a charming ability to cajole the best out of his players and give them belief.
He has been set a five-trophy target in five years and it would be no surprise to see him surpass that far, far quicker than demanded. He might not be named Manager of the Year, but that will matter little. For him it’s all about the team.
