FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football – Premier League – Manchester City v Everton – Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain – May 23, 2021 Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola celebrates with the trophy after winning the Premier League Pool via REUTERS/Dave Thompson/File Photo
May 24, 2021
(Reuters) – Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was named League Managers Association (LMA) Manager of the Year on Monday for leading his side to their third Premier League title in four years.
City finished 12 points ahead of second-placed Manchester United and also won a fourth consecutive League Cup, beating Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 at Wembley in April. Guardiola’s team take on Chelsea in the Champions League final on Saturday.
The Spaniard has been awarded the honour for the second time, having previously been recognised during City’s record-breaking 2017-18 campaign when they won the league title and became the first top-flight club to record 100 points.
He pipped Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa, Norwich City’s Daniel Farke, Chelsea Women manager Emma Hayes, West Ham United boss David Moyes, and Leicester City’s Brendan Rodgers to the Sir Alex Ferguson Trophy.
“I am delighted to win this award for the second time, but an award like this is only possible if a manager is surrounded by top professionals,” Guardiola said.
“My players have been fantastic – their dedication and professionalism never waver, even in a season that has been the most challenging we have ever faced. And my staff are also deserving of the highest praise.
“The award is dedicated and shared with them.”
Hayes became the first manager from the women’s game to be among the top six contenders for the Manager of the Year Award.
The Chelsea boss was named Women’s Super League Manager of the Year after guiding the London club to consecutive league titles, a League Cup triumph and their first Champions League final, where they were beaten 4-0 by Barcelona.
(Reporting by Hritika Sharma in Hyderabad; Editing by Ken Ferris)
