Manchester City made official the worst kept secret in football by announcing that Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola will take over from Manuel Pellegrini at the start of the 2016/2017 Premier League season.
Even though the announcement came as no real surprise to anybody, Manchester City’s official declaration of the news that former FC Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola will replace Chilean Manuel Pellegrini next season caused a meltdown on social media.
Manchester City fans were understandably delighted with the announcement, and most neutrals seemed hugely excited with the prospect of arguably the best manager in world football making the much-anticipated plunge into the world’s best-marketed football league. On the other hand, Manchester United and Chelsea FC fans in particular expressed concern at the news, led by United legend Rio Ferdinand, who fears the success Guardiola could bring to the blue half of Manchester.
Here are some of the best reactions from what was by far the most exciting piece of football news on Transfer Deadline Day:
#mcfc club statement February 1 2016.
Read: https://t.co/WQpS2BNRm5 pic.twitter.com/hyHNW3hfdZ
— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) February 1, 2016
Unbelievably excited by the prospect of City under Guardiola. Huge statement of intent by the club. — Ric Turner (@bluemoon_mcfc) February 1, 2016
Pep Guardiola will manage our club, how times have changed!!????
— Millie McBride (@MILLIEMCBRIDExx) February 1, 2016
We’re awaiting the “we didn’t want him anyway” tweets from across the road ? #MCFC #MUFC — YourMCFC (@YourMCFC) February 1, 2016
“Sheik Mansour went to Germany in a Toyota Corolla,bought us back a manager, Pep Guardiola! #mcfc
— Andy Savage (@mcfc9320group) February 1, 2016
When Pep Guardiola joins your club… pic.twitter.com/sDMkGHL07g — City Watch (@City_Watch) February 1, 2016
Klopp-Liverpool, Ancelotti-Bayern, Guardiola-City, Mourinho-? United’s next move could shape the Premier League for the next 10 years
— James Robson (@JamesRobsonMEN) February 1, 2016
Pep signing for City has really messed up my day. His records at Barca & Bayern are unreal..he goes anywhere close to them heights & its?? — Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) February 1, 2016
Our greatest coach sacked, our greatest captain leaving & Roman doesn’t get Pep…really, @ChelseaFC? Really? ?⚽️
— Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) February 1, 2016
Man city have gone and got the King that is Pep ??? — Jody Morris (@morriskid) February 1, 2016
If you can hear a dull thud, that is Ed Woodward banging his head against the office wall at Old Trafford. #Guardiola #RunningOutOfOptions
— Dr Paul Stott (@MrPaulStott) February 1, 2016
Finding out Guardiola is going to City at the end of the season has ruined my day ? — Alex Hugh (@AlexHugh2) February 1, 2016
Pep Guardiola’s league stats (via @premierleague)
Matches – 239
Wins – 187 (78%)
Draws – 33
Losses – 19
Goals – 636
Against – 109
Titles – 5
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 1, 2016
When you ask United fans if they care that Pep Guardiola has joined #MCFC.. https://t.co/c5ECwNhw59 — Copa90 (@Copa90) February 1, 2016
Man City fans right now…https://t.co/La44Cs510K
— 101 Great Goals (@101greatgoals) February 1, 2016
Pep Guardiola has won 19 titles in 384 games as a manager. A trophy every 20 matches! Welcome to the PL! pic.twitter.com/1EGf1yymQU — GeniusFootball (@GeniusFootball) February 1, 2016