MC Team of the decade E-magazine

MANCHESTER CITY 

TEAM OF THE DECADE 

2010 - 2020

INTRODUCTION 

INTRODUCTION 

What this glittering, trophy-laden decade has done more than anything is redefine the phrase ‘typical City’. 

Eleven years ago, the very essence of being a City fan meant that leading a match 2-0, with a few minutes left 

on the clock, was a signal for increased blood pressure, a thumping heart rate and an innate sense of doom. It 

was routine, even with that kind of lead, for the Maine Road (and then Etihad) faithful to take-on the look of a 

panic-stricken climber, hanging from the narrowest of ledges by his or her fingertips. 

Fast forward to today, and ‘typical City’ now means winning trophies, setting records and playing the most 

beautiful football. 

What has not changed in ten years though, is City fans clinging to a certain underdog spirit and humour that 

has galvanised them through so many of the bad times. That is why this epic work of art depicts so many 

different facets of the journey, and openly nods to the qualities that have led Manchester City to be England’s 

pre-eminent team of 2010 - 2020. 

Chris Bailey, Manchester City Editor In Chief 

‘ 

My challenge in this, my second commission 

for the Club, was to encapsulate the euphoria 

of City’s incredible decade of success. I have 

created a mythical finale whistle, capturing the 

players in personal moments of triumph. 

MANCHESTER CITY FC 

Fans will recognise some of the poses, as they 

were pivotal to the team’s momentum during 

this golden era. I’ve woven these disparate 

moments into one joyous ‘blue heaven’, in 

front of a festive Etihad Stadium crowd. 

Please note that I have taken some artistic 

license in that all players are in their home strip, 

even though some moments were from away 

games. I wanted to create a seamless and 

unified ‘sea of blue’. 

Jamie Cooper 

2

THE REAL THING 

PABLO ZABALETA 

Right Back | 2008-2017 

Games 333. Goals 12. 

HONOURS 

FA Cup 2011 | Community Shield 2012 | 

Premier League 2012 & 2014 | League Cup 2014 & 2016 

Adored by Blues fans, the Argentinian defender became a cult hero for 

his unflinching commitment and endless courage on the field, and his 

down-to-earth and friendly nature off it. For nine seasons he put his 

body on the line and was an integral part of the Club, winning every major 

English honour during that time. 

‘Zabba’ was voted Manchester City's Player of the Month for both 

December 2012 and January 2013, and was stand-in captain for the 

Club during Vincent Kompany's injury absence between January and March 

2013. He was the only City player to be named in the 2013 Premier League 

PFA Team of the Year. And after a superb season, Zabaleta was voted 2013 

Manchester City Player of the Year. 

‘I know how important the game was, 

not just for the team, but for the Club 

and the fans as well. That’s why when 

I scored, I went to them straight away. 

I wanted to thank them for coming all 

the way to Rome to support us.’ 

Pablo Zabaleta 

‘ 

I decided to depict him famously kissing the badge after his 86th 

minute, game-securing away-goal v AS Roma in the Champions 

League semi in 2014. Players kissing badges can often be seen 

as insincere and clichéd, but when he did it, no one doubted his 

passion and love for the Club and for the Blues faithful. 

zabaleta 

Jamie Cooper 


3

JOE HART 

ALL HART 

Goalkeeper | 2006-2018 

Games 348. 

HONOURS 


Premier League 2012 

The joy that Hart expressed after 

Sergio clinched the title for the first 

time in 44 years was exactly why fans 

love him so much. Hart is a man who 

wears his heart on his sleeve, and his 

hug with Gael Clichy after the game is 

now legendary. 


‘ 

This moment against QPR was the one I wanted for Joe in this painting. 

His career had some ups and downs, but his contribution to that 

breakthrough title win is unquestioned, and the unbridled joy he is 

displaying sets the tone for the entire scene. 

Jamie Cooper 

hart 

After an interrupted start to his career 

at City, he returned from loan for the 

2011 season, winning the Golden 

Glove for keeping the most clean 

sheets. Hart replicated this feat in 

2012 and was a key player during 

City’s title-winning campaign. He won 

the Golden Glove for the third year 

in a row in the following season, and 

earned a second Premier League 

title in 2014. In 2015, Hart won the 

Golden Glove award for the fourth 

time in five years. 

4

EARS TO YOU 

CARLOS TEVEZ 

Forward | 2009-2013 


HONOURS 


Premier League 2012 

Tevez joined City from Manchester United in 2009 after 

United decided not to pay the £25 million to keep him. 

He quickly justified his worth. At the end of his first year he 

was given two club awards – the Player of the Year and 

the Players’ Player of the Year. In 2011 he won the Premier 

League Golden Boot and in 2012 he won the Premier 

League title. The mere 73 matches played to reach 50 

goals made him the second-fastest player in City’s history 

to reach that figure, second only to Derek Kevan and his 

64-game record. 

Tevez was a quick, hard-working and dynamic forward. An 

intelligent and creative player, with an eye for a goal. He was 

capable of playing as a striker, winger or attacking midfielder. 

Due to his finishing and positioning, he provided assists 

for teammates, as well as scoring goals himself. Pace and 

stamina also made Tevez useful when possession was lost, 

pressing opponents, aiding his team to win back the ball 

and begin attacking plays. 

‘For the second goal, I ran to the touchline and cupped 

my ears and looked up to the part of the ground where 

the United directors were sitting, and also to (Sir Alex) 

Ferguson in the dugout, because I wanted them to know 

this was my response to them saying I was not worth 

the money. People from United had been speaking 

about me publicly and criticising me, but I wanted to do 

my talking on the pitch because that was the best way 

of responding to all these people, such as Neville, who 

were saying United were right to let me go.’ 

Carlos Tevez 

‘ 

Players often have unique ways of expressing 

themselves in moments of triumph, and as this 

is a scene of celebration I thought Carlos’s ear 

celebration would be perfect. It gives us an 

insight into how this mercurial man thinks and 

feels. The celebration occurred during his 

two-goal performance in the 2-1 Carling Cup 

semi-final first-leg victory in 2010 and was 

aimed at the Manchester United directors. 

Jamie Cooper 

5 

TEAM OF THE DECADE

CHANGING OF 

THE GUARD 

THE DERBY AT 

OLD TRAFFORD 

Manchester City had arrived. A stunning victory 

at Old Trafford in October 2011 meant it was now 

impossible for Manchester United to ignore their 

rivals. City went on to win their first Premier League 

title that season in the most dramatic fashion. But the 

Manchester Derby at Old Trafford was perhaps the 

highlight of the campaign, and of recent seasons. 


‘To beat them 6-1 on 

their own ground was a 

humiliation, especially in a 

derby when it’s even worse. 

United always had that flag 

which counted the years City 

were without a title, making 

fun of our fans. After the 6-1 

they were quiet!’ 

Edin Dzeko 

zeko 

6

BROTHERS IN ARMS 

EDIN DZEKO 

Striker | 2011-2016 


HONOURS 

FA Cup 2011 | Premier League 

2012 & 2014 | League Cup 2014 | 

Community Shield 2012 

In 2012, the ‘Bosnian Diamond’ 

wasted no time in making an impact, 

scoring four goals in one game against 

Tottenham. On the final day of the 

season he scored an equaliser against 

QPR in the 92nd minute, before 

Sergio Agüero won it for City with 

seconds to go – ensuring the team 

won the League title for the first time 

in 44 years. 

ALEXSANDAR KOLAROV 

Defender | 2010-17 


HONOURS 

FA CUP 2011 | Premier League 2012 & 2014 | 

League Cup 2014 & 2016 | Community Shield 2012 

This tough Serbian left back was famous for his exceptional left foot long 

rangers, his mastery of set-pieces, inch-perfect crosses, but questionable 

singing on Club Christmas videos! City had a few left backs over the 

decade, but none had the touch and character of this man. 

‘ 

Dezko and Kolarov were best friends and partners in crime 

throughout their stay. Here they are celebrating history, when 

the Club beat United at Old Trafford and Dzeko scored after 

that pass from the magical David Silva. 

Jamie Cooper 

EVER RELIABLE 

JOLEON LESCOTT 

Centre Back | 2009-14 


HONOURS 

FA Cup 2011 | Premier League 2012 & 2014 | League Cup 2014 

During the early part of the decade Lescott established himself as a vital part 

of the defensive unit, building a formidable defensive partnership with Vincent 

Kompany. Ever reliable and a true professional, he was a significant contributor 

to title-winning games. 


7

BIG TIME PLAYER 

YAYA TOURÉ 

Midfielder | 2010-18 


HONOURS 

FA Cup 2011 | Premier League 2012, 2014 & 2018 | League Cup 2014 & 2016 | Community Shield 2012 

Formerly a striker, Touré played primarily in the centre of the pitch as either a holding midfielder or as a 

box-to-box midfielder. In the latter role, he often switched between offensive and defensive stances throughout 

a match. He was also capable of playing as a central defender or in the number 10 role. 

His key strengths were his passing range, vision and physical ability. He also excelled defensively at breaking-down 

opposition attacking plays and winning-back possession through his powerful tackling ability. He was also known 

for his pace, stamina and physical presence, and for making lung-bursting runs from midfield leading to him being 

referred to as a ‘human train’ and a ‘colossus’ by various pundits. Touré was frequently pushed forward during the 

latter part of a match, most notably in the penultimate match of the 2012 season against Newcastle United where 

Touré scored two late goals to win the match, putting Manchester City at the top of the League. 

TRUE BLUE 

touré 

MICAH RICHARDS 



HONOURS 

FA Cup 2011 | Premier League 2012 

Manchester City is in Micah Richards’s DNA. He came up through the Academy, and is adored by fans and teammates 

alike. He was a key part of the City defense in 2012 season, when they won the League for the first time in 44 years. 

During the season, he captained the side on three occasions and was nominated for the Club’s Player of the Year 

award. In addition to making 37 appearances and scoring once in every competition, Richards finished the season with 

five assists – the most of any defender in the Premier League. 


‘After being the underdog for so long against Manchester United, I think City fans always went 

into the Derby thinking the worst. But 2011 changed everything. It was as though all those years 

of pain and disappointment when we were getting beaten were just wiped out in one fell swoop.’ 

Micah Richards 

8

‘ 

Standing up when it counts 

is what elevates professional 

athletes into the elite 

zone. The big Ivory Coast 

midfielder ascended to 

this level when, on 16 April 

2011, Touré scored the only 

goal of the game in a Man 

of the Match performance 

against Manchester United 

in the 2011 FA Cup 

semi-final. He continued 

his Wembley success by 

scoring the only goal in his 

side's 1–0 win over Stoke 

City in the final, ending 

Manchester City's 35-year 

wait for a major trophy 

and writing himself into 

Manchester City folklore in 

the process. From his foot, 

a journey of success began 

for the Club. A journey 

which would continue over 

the next decade. This image 

was taken as he celebrated 

that historic strike. Micah 

was a later addition, via 

artistic license. 

Jamie Cooper 


9

ATTACK IS THE BEST 

FORM OF DEFENSE 

AMYERIC LAPORTE 

Centre Back | 2018-Present 

Games *83. Goals *6. 

HONOURS 

Premier League 2018 & 2019 | 

FA Cup 2019 | League Cup 2018 

& 2019 | Community Shield 2018 

The French defender is seen here 

celebrating that decisive 38th 

minute header against Brighton 

which secured the 2019 Premier 

League title. 

Although not brought to City for his 

goal scoring abilities, his strong and 

attacking brand of football put him in 

the right place at the right time for this 

scoring opportunity. 

He is seen by many as the true 

replacement for Vincent Kompnay as 

a leader in defense. High praise indeed. 

* up until the end of the 2020 season 


laporte 

10

A STERLING 

SEASON INDEED 

RAHEEM STERLING 

Winger | 2015-Present 


HONOURS 

Premier League 2018 & 2019 | FA Cup 2019 | 

League Cup 2016, 2019 & 2020 | Community 

Shield 2019 

A month after his winning penalty in the Carabao 

Cup Final, he scored a hat-trick within the space of 

13 minutes – the fastest hat-trick of the season – to 

secure a 3-1 victory over Watford. He scored again in 

the return leg of Man City’s Champions League clash 

with Schalke, to help the Club record a 7-0 victory and 

equal the record for the largest winning margin in the 

knockout-phase of the competition. 

On 17 April 2019, Sterling scored two and had a winner 

on aggregate disallowed in injury time – which would’ve 

sealed his third hat-trick in the season – in Manchester 

City’s 4-3 win over Tottenham Hotspur in their UEFA 

Champions League quarter-final second-leg. On 18 

May 2019, Sterling scored twice as Manchester City 

defeated Watford 6-0 in the 2019 FA Cup final to clinch 

a domestic treble. 

In the 2019 season, he was named the PFA Premier 

League Team of the Year and won the PFA Young Player 

of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year. 

Sterling plays as a winger, attacking midfielder or 

striker, though he is more comfortable as a natural 

winger. Sterling has been praised for his adaptability 

– being able to play wide, at the tip of a midfield 

diamond, and centrally. 


‘ 

This moment captures Raheem’s 

celebration after scoring the winning 

penalty in the 2019 Carabao Cup final 

penalty shootout at Wembley Stadium. 

I could have chosen several moments 

from what was an amazing season for 

the dynamic forward and the Club. 

Jamie Cooper 

terling 


11


12

AGÜEROOOOO 

SERGIO AGÜERO 

Striker | 2011-Present 


HONOURS 

Premier League 2012, 2014, 2018 & 2019 | FA Cup 2019 | 

League Cup 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019 & 2020 | Community Shield 2012, 2018 & 2019 

‘ 

Has there ever been a City 

player that has had so many 

‘big’ moments? The 93:20 

is the most obvious, but I 

depicted this in the ‘Dream 

Scene’ so I went for his Premier 

League record-breaking strike 

(by a foreign player) in January 

2020. I have used a bit of 

artistic license as he scored this 

in an away game against Villa in 

a black kit. I wanted all players 

to be in the home kit so it was 

an all-blue scene. 

Jamie Cooper 

The same day as his record-breaking 

strike in January 2020, Agüero netted 

a treble for the 12th time to set a new 

Premier League hat-trick record. He 

already had the Manchester City goal 

scoring record after netting his 178th 

in the Champions League clash at 

Napoli in 2017. He surpassed the 

long-standing tally of 1930s club hero 

Eric Brook, when he struck in the 69th 

minute at the San Paolo Stadium. The 

landmark goal came in Agüero’s 264th 

appearance for City. 

Agüero has maintained a prolific 

scoring rate since netting twice on 

debut against Swansea six years ago. 

Often considered to be one of the 

best strikers in the world, Agüero is 

regarded as an all-out centre forward, 

although he is a versatile player due to 

his passing ability, link-up play, tactical 

intelligence, and vision. 

Agüero has a diminutive figure 

with a stocky build. This has led to 

comparisons with former Manchester 

City teammates, Carlos Tevez and 

Diego Maradona. 

Although naturally right footed, Agüero 

is also capable of striking well with his 

left foot. He can also finish well, both 

inside and outside the area, with his 

powerful and accurate shot. 


agüero 

13 

TEAM OF THE DECADE

UNSUNG HERO 

FERNANDINHO 

Defensive Midfielder | 2013-Present 


Honours 

Premier League 2014, 2018 & 2019 | League Cup 

2014, 2016, 2018, 2019 & 2020 | Community Shield 

2012 & 2018 

Fernandinho is well-known for his stamina and 

ability to shoot from long distances. He is an expert 

at reading the game, and is known for his technique, 

movement and work rate. 

He has been described in the media as 

“a defensive midfielder with a box-to-box style 

of play, contributing in large part to the defense 

and the attack. With a powerful shot and great 

passing range, Fernandinho has played an important 

part in breaking-up opposition attacks and creating 

goal scoring opportunities”. 

Manchester City Manager, Pep Guardiola, has 

praised Fernandinho for his intelligence, versatility, 

ability in the air, and his important role in the Club’s 

successes. He has also acknowledged his wide range 

of skills by saying “Fernandinho can do everything.” 



‘ 

Fernandinho is highly respected within the Club 

and definitely a central player in the success of 

this era, so I thought it fitting he was central in 

the painting. The moment I have chosen for him 

is his rocket goal against Stoke in 2017. 

Jamie Cooper 

14

THE LAWNMOWER 

barry 

THE COMPLETE 

PROFESSIONAL 

GARETH BARRY 

Defensive Midfielder | 2009-14 


HONOURS 

Premier League 2012 | FA Cup 2011 

With 653 Premier League appearances, Barry holds the record. This is a true 

testament to his professionalism, reliability and skill – all attributes that made 

him a favourite at City over a five-season career. He was perfect for the team 

at the time as they were transforming into the formidable unit that they became 

throughout the next decade. He lifted those around him with his meticulous 

preparation, work ethic and high standards. 

NIGEL DE JONG 

Defensive Midfielder | 2009-12 


Honours: Premier League 2012 | 

FA Cup 2011 | Community Shield 

2012 

Nigel was an important part of 

City’s holding midfield as it was 

developing early in the decade. 

A tough and tireless grafter, he 

garnered a reputation for being a 

combative and feisty player – 

a reputation that has earned him 

nicknames such as ‘The Destroyer’ 

and ‘Lawnmower’. 

‘ 

De Jong is someone 

you want on your side. 

Tough, courageous and 

uncompromising. Even 

though he’s famous for his 

crunching tackles (just ask, 

amongst others, Anderson 

from Manchester United), as 

this scene is a celebration 

I’ve depicted him in a more 

casual pose. 

Jamie Cooper 

de jong 


15

BERNARDO SILVA 

Right Wing | 2017-Present 


HONOURS 

Premier League 2018 & 2019 | FA Cup 2019 | League Cup 2018, 2019 & 2020 | 

Community Shield 2018 & 2019 

There are few right wingers in world football quite like Bernardo Silva. This Portuguese player isn't exactly lightning quick, 

nor does he really put-up great numbers in terms of goals or assists (especially when you compare him to other City stars). 

Yet, Silva has proven to be a player Pep Guardiola has turned to time and time again. The former Monaco man's creativity, 

link-up play, versatility, and ability to read the game are all key attributes of his. And when you combine these qualities with 

his work rate, it is suddenly very clear why Guardiola is so fond of him. 

Guardiola has always stressed that while it is crucial what a team does when they are in possession, a top side must also work 

tirelessly off the ball and show the right attitude to immediately look to win it back. During the 2019 season, Bernardo sat top 

of the list for distance covered in a single Premier League game, while he also occupied second spot at the same time. 

But while he can play effectively in central midfield and on the left, it is on the right wing where he has proven to be 

most dangerous over the years. 


WHY ALWAYS ME? 

MARIO BALOTELLI 

Striker | 2010-13 


HONOURS 

FA Cup 2011 | Premier League 2012 

RUNNING DOWN 

silva 

THE WING 


Balotelli has been credited with pace, flair, physical strength, technical ability, and an eye for the goal. His height, 

elevation and physique allowed him to excel in the air. And he was capable of scoring with his head or with either 

foot, from both inside or outside the penalty area. Although he normally played in a central role as a main striker, he 

was a versatile forward capable of playing anywhere along the front line. Due to his powerful shot, Balotelli was also 

a set piece specialist and is still regarded as one of the best penalty kick takers in world football. 

He was a true maverick who marched to his own beat. This endeared him to many, and frustrated a few managers 

along the way. But when he was on, there was not a more exciting player to watch. 

16

alotelli 

‘ 

I’ve depicted Bernardo in the 

game against Manchester 

United on 24 April 2019. He 

scored the first goal putting 

City on top for an eventual 

2-0 win. This put the Club 

one point ahead of Liverpool 

with three games to go. It 

wasn’t the goal alone that 

was significant, but the 

reward for so much hard 

work throughout the season 

by Bernardo. 

Jamie Cooper 

‘ 

It was obvious to me in 

which moment I wanted 

to depict Super Mario. 

Obviously, the pass to 

Agüero at 93:20 to win the 

title is right up there, but this 

moment against Manchester 

United just summed-up this 

enigmatic character so well. 

Here he is celebrating after 

he scored the first of his two 

goals in that famous 6-1 

win. After some misleading 

media reports, Chappy 

(Les Chapman – the kit man) 

printed him a T-shirt in secret 

as a message to his critics. 

Jamie Cooper 


17

WHATEVER IT TAKES 

EDERSON 

Goalkeeper | 2017-Present 

Games *143. 

HONOURS 

Premier League 2018 & 2019 | FA Cup 2019 | League Cup 2018, 2019 & 2020 | 


Ederson has been described as an agile, commanding and physically imposing keeper, who possesses both 

physical strength, excellent reflexes and shot-stopping abilities between the posts. He also developed a reputation 

as a penalty-saving specialist during his time with Benfica. However, he is mostly highly regarded for his outstanding 

distribution and skill with the ball at his feet. His control and confidence on the ball enables him to retain possession 

and quickly play the ball out from the back on the ground with his hands or either foot, or when put under pressure, 

to launch an attack with long kicks. 


derson 


‘ 

Although Ederson is recognised for his 

technical skills, I chose to depict him 

in arguably his most inspired moment. 

Technique will get you a long way, 

but it was the total commitment of his 

double save against Manchester United 

in December 2017 that captured my 

imagination. Firstly stopping Lukaku’s 

strike with his face, then following-up with 

a desperate reflex save at point-blank 

range from Juan Mata. This showed not 

only skill, but desperation and a neversay-die 

attitude that enabled City to hang 

on to a 2-1 lead and an eventual Premier 

League title that season. 

Jamie Cooper 

18

EL MAGO 

DAVID SILVA 

Midfielder | 2010-Present 


HONOURS 

Premier League 2012, 2014,2018 & 

2019 | FA Cup 2011 & 2019 | League 

Cup 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019 & 2020 | 

Community Shield 2012, 2018 & 2019 

Silva is a talented and agile left-foot 

player. His composure on the ball, as 

well as his vision, passing accuracy, 

ability to read the game and control the 

tempo of his team's play, have seen him 

become one of the best midfielders in 

the world today. 

He is also considered to be one of the 

best midfielders in Premier League 

history, earning him the nicknames 

‘Merlin’ and ‘El Mago’. 

Although he primarily serves as a 

playmaker for his team, he is capable 

of scoring goals himself as well as 

creating them, which enables him to be 

deployed in several offensive roles. 

His stunning volley pass to Dzeko at Old 

Trafford to make it 5-1 was typical of his 

sublime skills, and is one of his chosen 

all-time highlights in a glittering career. 



19

THE PLAYMAKER 

‘ 

I loved this image of him giving his 

one-fingered salute after scoring in 

the 8-0 drubbing of Watford in 2019. 

It seemed to encapsulate his calm, 

cool-headed superiority as a player. 

Jamie Cooper 

de 

bruyne 

KEVIN DE BRUYNE 

Midfielder | 2015-Present. 


HONOURS 

Premier League 2018 & 2019 | FA Cup 2019 | League Cup 2016, 2018, 

2019 & 2020 | Community Shield 2019 

The record breaking game against Watford was largely due to KDB’s 

superb all-round skills, creating two assists and finishing off the day with 

a goal of his own. He was justly named Premier League Player of the 

Season for 2020. 

Due to his technique, skill, athleticism, work rate off the ball, vision, 

crossing accuracy, wide range of passing, and powerful long-range 

shooting ability with either foot, KBD is often described by pundits as 

one of the best and most complete modern-day advanced playmakers. 



20

HERE’S TO YOU 

VINCENT KOMPANY 



HONOURS 

Premier League 2012, 2014, 2018 & 2019 | 

FA Cup 2011 & 2019 | League Cup 2014, 2016, 2018 & 2019 | 


The 1-0 result against Leicester on May 6th 2019 put the Club 

one point ahead at the top of the 2019 Premier League table. And 

they retained the title by the same margin six days later. Kompany 

had already lifted the EFL Cup in February 2019 after a penalty 

shootout victory over Chelsea. He also played the whole of the 2019 

FA Cup Final, a 6-0 victory over Watford, as the Club completed an 

unprecedented domestic treble. 

Kompany lead this great era from the front. With skill, courage and 

intelligence, he held this group together, nurturing it into the 

all-conquering team that will forever be celebrated as a golden 

era in the history of this great club. 

‘ 

Amongst a decade of highlights and moments of 

true leadership, his thunderous strike against 

Leicester was a stand-out. Not only was it a 

screamer, scored by a defender from outside the 

box, but Sergio begged him not to shoot just before 

he did. They laughed about it after the game. It 

turned out to be the goal that ultimately won the 

League that year. It was also his final appearance 

at the Etihad Stadium as a player. He was very 

emotional after it and wept on the pitch. 

kompany 

Jamie Cooper 

21ompany 

TEAM OF THE DECADE

THE MANAGERS 


22 

PEP GUARDIOLA 

Manager | 2016-Present 

Games *233. Wins *168. Draws *30. 

Losses *35. Win % 72.73. 

HONOURS 

Premier League 2018 & 2019 | 

FA Cup 2019 | League Cup 2018, 

2019 & 2020 | Community Shield 

2018 & 2019 

Pep changed English football as we 

know it. The 2019 season saw City 

win four trophies, and become known 

as ‘The Fourmidables’. The team set 

a number of Premier League records 

during the season including: most 

points (100), most away points (50), 

most points ahead of second (19), 

most wins (32), most away wins (16), 

most goals (106), best goal difference 

(+79), and most consecutive victories 

(18). The team also equaled the record 

for the earliest Premier League title 

win at the time (five games to spare), 

beating every other team in the 

League throughout the season and 

recording the most consecutive away 

wins (11). 

He won a second consecutive 

Premier League and EFL Cup the 

following season, as well as the FA 

Cup, to become the first manager 

to win the domestic treble in English 

men's football. 


MANUEL PELLEGRINI 

Manager | 2013-2016 

Games 167. Wins 100. Draws 28. 

Losses 39. Win % 59.9. 

HONOURS 

Premier League 2014 | League Cup 

2014 & 2016 

A true gentleman, Pellegrini is known 

as ‘This Charming Man’ by City 

fans and has also been known as 

‘The Professor’. 

Pellegrini joined Manchester City in 

the summer of 2013 and led them to 

a Premier League and League Cup 

double in his first season. He won the 

League Cup again in 2016, while also 

claiming the Premier League Manager 

of the Month award on four occasions 

during his time at the Club. 

Pellegrini was roundly praised 

for his attacking managerial style, 

calm demeanor, and excellent 

man management. 

ROBERTO MANCINI 

Manager | 2009-2013 

Games 191. Wins 113. Draws 38. 

Losses 40. Win % 59.16. 

HONOURS 

FA Cup 2011 | Premier League 2012 | 

Community Shield 2012 

Affectionately known as ‘Bobby Manc’, 

he will always be loved by fans for 

bringing success back to the Club. He 

was the manager that started the upward 

trajectory for the rest of the decade. 

Under his stewardship, a winning 

culture was instilled at the Club. This 

took Manchester City from a mid-table 

club to the top level of English football, 

combining defensive solidity with 

attacking flair. In the 2011 season – his 

first full season at Manchester City – 

Mancini guided the Club to Champions 

League football and the FA Cup, the 

Club's first major trophy in 35 years. 

In 2012, he led Manchester City to the 

Club's first League title in 44 years in 

an enthralling last day of the season, 

winning 3-2 (with two goals in injury 

time). This game is known as ‘the best 

match, on the best last day, of a season 

in English football history’. 

Mancini placed great emphasis on 

building from the back. Stressing 

the importance of not conceding a 

goal meant the team always had an 

opportunity to win. He even said, 

“I like 1-0 wins.”

guardiola 

pellegrini 

mancini 


23

MANCHESTER CITY 

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MC Team of the decade E-magazine

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