Manchester City: Manuel Pellegrini backs Pep Guardiola to succeed in Premier League

Departing Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has said he believes his replacement, Pep Guardiola, will be a success in the Premier League. The former Barcelona manager is due to take over at the Etihad Stadium this summer.

The 62-year-old said, "Of course it's a new challenge when it's your first time in the league. I'm not just talking about Guardiola, I'm talking about myself also, the first year I arrived here. But working in Europe for so many years as a manager I think that you are prepared to face that challenge. I'm sure playing in a difficult league, Guardiola will be able to be very successful".

Pellegrini took over as City boss in 2013, and has won the Premier League and two Capital One Cups during his three seasons in charge. He is also the only Blues boss to finish above rivals Manchester United every year in the job.

City finished fourth in the league this season, despite bringing in expensive signings Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling in the summer of 2015. In February, the board announced that this would be Pellegrini's last campaign, and that Guardiola would be taking over at the end of the season.

The former Barcelona boss, who currently manages German heavyweights Bayern Munich, has won the Bundesliga in his last season in charge. He faces rivals Borussia Dortmund in the DFB Cup final on 21 May.