Manuel Pellegrini is being backed to bring success to Manchester City. The man who hired and fired Pellegrini, 59, at the Bernabeu insists he will get it right in England - and feels he was unlucky to lose his job to Jose Mourinho.

Ex-Real director Jorge Valdano said: "Pellegrini had an ideal method of leadership for Madrid. But he had to face a transition because footballers like Raul and Guti were playing their last seasons at the club.

"He also had bad luck because Kaka, Pepe and Ronaldo suffered injuries during the season.

"But I've never doubted Pellegrini's quality. Manuel will triumph at City if they give him time and resources. He will show what kind of coach he is in England."