In respect of the theory that this is in order to lessen speculation around Manuel's job this season (undermining his authority and harming results), but still with an eye to appointing Pep in a year - what would happen if Pellegrini won a league and cup double, for example?
Khaldoon has been really cautious about not sacking people unless it's utmost justified. We kept hold of Hughes 6 months too long and we were still slaughtered by the press when we sacked him.
Garry Cook, although much loved by many, had made countless public and private gaffs, and it took a leaked email mocking a then player's mother's cancer to get him the bullet and appoint more experienced football people in his role.
By all accounts the dressing room was in near mutiny in respect of Mancini in 2013 with our title defence a shambles approaching the end of the season, and the club were speaking to Pellegrini at the time. Barcelona leaked it to the press on the eve of the FA Cup final, and we sacked him shortly after it once the cat was out of the bag.
Would the club feel under pressure to do a U-turn and keep Pellegrini if we had a very good season this year?
Or is Pellegrini privy to our pursuit of Pep, and happy to part ways gracefully next year, in the full knowledge that this is his final season as a City manager?
Would it be reported as a contract termination by mutual consent? What would happen?
What if Pellegrini isn't privy to our plans in pursuit of Pep, at least officially, and hasn't been briefed? I.e there's no agreement as to what happens next summer?
Manuel's comments today, unless deliberately deceptive, suggest there is no such plan:
What would happen if Pellegrini had a great year, and wished to see out his contract? What if he dug his heels in?
Would the club have the bottle to sack him, with the backlash from the press and possibly even some supporters (should it be a memorable season)?
So many questions. Oh to be a fly on the wall in City HQ.
