Manuel Pellegrini joined fellow Premier League Asia Trophy managers Pep Guardiola, Nuno Espirito Santo and Steve Bruce at a special reception on Shanghai’s world-famous Bund on Friday evening.
The West Ham United manager joined his three counterparts from Manchester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Newcastle United at the gala event at the iconic Three on the Bund restaurant.
Pellegrini was joined by players Manuel Lanzini, Angelo Ogbonna and Roberto for a celebration of the 2019 edition of the Premier League’s biennial tournament, which has caught the imagination of Chinese fans and supporters from across the world.
The manager spoke glowingly of the competition and the impact the Premier League has made in China, while also presenting a trophy to a youngster who excelled at the first-ever U12s Premier Skills Cup, which was held in Nanjing earlier this week.
Of course, it brings back fond memories for me, being back in China
Manuel Pellegrini
“Of course, it brings back fond memories for me, being back in China,” said Pellegrini, who managed Chinese Super League club Hebei China Fortune for 19 months between 2016-18.
“I was here for nearly two years and it was a great experience to be in a club such as Hebei, where we started with a new project and a new training ground and new facilities, so I think it is a special memory and it is fantastic to come back to China.”
Pellegrini actually won the Premier League Asia Trophy in 2013 – his first trophy win as Manchester City manager – and went on to win the Premier League title and two EFL Cups during three successful seasons at the Etihad Stadium.
But what, he was asked by event host Manish Bhasin, is the secret behind putting together a successful team?
“For me, you must have good players, but you must also have great conviction in what you are trying to do,” he said. “You can have different ways to play but must find the way you want to do things and you must never change, even when you are criticised or when you have bad moments, which you will always have in this profession.”
West Ham, who finished tenth in the Premier League in Pellegrini’s first season in charge, broke the Club’s transfer record for the third time in his 13-month reign with the signing of French striker Sebastien Haller this week.
And the Hammers will look to close out a memorable week in China when they take on Newcastle United in the Premier League Asia Trophy third/fourth-place play-off at Shanghai’s Hongkou Football Stadium on Saturday.
Kick-off is at 5pm local time (10am BST) and the game will be broadcast live in England by Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event.