THE Manchester derby will be far from Manuel Pellegrini‘s mind on Saturday as the former Manchester City boss prepares to take charge of his first game at Hebei China Fortune.
The Premier League winning gaffer was replaced by Pep Guardiola at the end of last season, with City confirming the shock switch mid-way through the campaign.
IMAGE: Rex Features
IMAGE: Rex Features
Pellegrini is now looking to restore his reputation in the Chinese Super League, and was given a rapturous welcome when he arrived at Beijing Capital International Airport on Thursday.
The ex-Real Madrid had a scarf placed around his neck and was handed a huge bouquet of flowers by supporters.
But Pellegrini won’t have the luxury of watching Jose Mourinho butt heads with Guardiola at Old Trafford this weekend, with his new side facing a tough clash against league leaders Guangzhou Evergrande at exactly the same time.
And the Fortune faithful will now be hoping Pellegrini can help them rise up the table, with Hebei currently fifth in the standings.
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IMAGE: AP:Associated Press
IMAGE: EPA
They trail leaders Evergrande by 15 points, and one of Pellegrini’s first tasks will be to get more out of his misfiring forwards.
Former Paris Saint-Germain and Napoli star Ezequiel Lavezzi is the star name at Hebei, and is reportedly earning a staggering £400,000-a-week in China.
Other names include ex-Arsenal winger Gervinho and controversial Chelsea youngster Gael Kakuta, with former QPR midfielder Stephane Mbia also on board.
Pellegrini can also expect to pit his wits against some other high-profile names including Sven-Goran Eriksson and Felix Magath, although Luiz Felipe Scolari could soon find himself being replaced by Marcello Lippi.
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