Manuel Pellegrini backs Pep Guardiola for Manchester City job

Manuel Pellegrini has admitted that he 'hopes' to see Pep Guardiola take the manager's job at Manchester City.

The Argentine's future at the Etihad has been called into doubt in recent weeks after it emerged that Guardiola is planning to announce that he will leave Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich at the end of the season, with a number of top Premier League sides on his list of potential destinations.

Asked about the speculation linking the Spaniard with his job, Pellegrini replied: "It is impossible not to want to work here — especially if you have experience of working in other leagues.

"So, Pep Guardiola will work here. I don't know if it will be next season here at City, or even at another club, but I am sure that one day he will come to the Premier League.

"And I hope he will have the option to work at Manchester City. I say that because I love this club and I hope, in the future, he can work here also. I am sure that he will be very important for the club."

Under Pellegrini, City claimed both the league title and League Cup trophy in 2013-14 and remain in contention for all four trophies this season.