The Capital One Cup final this weekend, which featured Premier League giants Manchester City and Liverpool, took the form of a stereotypical cup final: thrilling but nerve-wracking. After plenty of squandered chances and a goal apiece for Fernandinho of Manchester City and Coutinho of Liverpool, it was 1-1 after 90 minutes. Extra time passed with both teams showing the ill-effects of a grueling Premier League season, and penalty kicks commenced. In stepped Willy Caballero. Coming off a performance against Chelsea in the FA cup that was shaky at best, it would be hard to blame the often-maligned Manchester City backup goalkeeper for being low on confidence. If he was, he didn’t show it. After Emre Can’s cheeky chip sent him the wrong way to start the shootout, Caballero saved three straight, including a full-extension finger tip save. After the game, the players hoisted Caballero in the air before hoisting the trophy together a few minutes later. As a Manchester City fan myself, I was elated for Caballero. Before the game, Caballero was asked how he felt about Manchester City fans wanting him dropped. After the game, they were singing his name.
But perhaps I was even more happy for Manuel Pellegrini. In what could possibly have been Manchester City’s best chance at silverware, many felt that Joe Hart, Manchester City and England’s No. 1 goalkeeper, should have started. But Pellegrini, after starting Caballero in each game of the competition, showed faith in the Argentine. In return, Caballero ensured that his manager’s last season at the Etihad would not end trophy-less. Pellegrini now has three trophies in the three years he has spent with Manchester City. While it was surely hard for the Manchester City hierarchy to deny the lure of the former Barcelona and treble-winning manager Pep Guardiola, there is a feeling that Pellegrini has never been shown the respect he deserves throughout his career. Everywhere he has gone, success has followed. In his first season at Villarreal in 2004-2005, he led the club to its highest-ever finish in La Liga and first-ever Champions League qualification. The next season he led Villarreal to the semi finals of the Champions League. Just a few seasons later, he was appointed manager of Real Madrid.Despite leading Los Blancos to achieve their highest ever point total, he was sacked. Over a phone call.
The future still remains uncertain for Manuel Pellegrini. He has stated that he would love to stay in the Premier League after the season ends, but he has remained fully committed to Manchester City for the time being. Throughout his time at Manchester City, Pellegrini conducted himself with dignity and has endeared himself to the Manchester City faithful forever. While he may not be our manager at the end of the season, he’ll always be our charming man.
