Arsenal legend Robert Pires has likened incoming Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini to Arsene Wenger.

Pires played for Pellegrini at Villarreal.

He said: "He is strict when it come to rules and regulations. Just like Arsene. And like Arsene, most of the time he is firm but calm.

"He does not shout too much. But if he is really upset about something, he can raise his voice. That really has a big effect because it doesn't happen all that often.

"If a player steps out of line, he will be left in no doubt about what the manager feels.

"A player with a big reputation will not bother him, not at all."

But Pires stressed: "I believe he will be the ideal man to lead City. The club is big but Pellegrini is a big person. And the fans will like his style of football.

"It is organised but it is attacking, it is positive.

"He loves organisation. That is how he got ­Villarreal to the semi-finals of the ­Champions League. With a club the size of Villarreal, it was a fantastic achievement."