The last 12 months haven’t been great for Manchester City. The quality in their squad means expectations are high, yet their performances on the pitch haven’t met them.
As a result, Manuel Pellegrini has faced criticism. At the turn of the year, with City having battled their way back on to level terms with leaders Chelsea at the top of the Premier League, their form collapsed. Their title challenge was limp, they exited the Champions League at the last-16 stage for the second consecutive year and their FA Cup bid ended in embarrassing fashion with a home defeat to Middlesbrough.