Malaga’s Manuel Pellegrini Eagerly Anticipating Real Madrid Return

Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid host relegation candidates Malaga on Thursday in what will be a rather special game for visiting coach Manuel Pellegrini, who is looking for an appreciative response on his first visit back since leaving the club in the summer.

The Chilean gaffer got the sack at Madrid in May 2010 to be replaced by Jose Mourinho and Pellegrini is eagerly anticipating his return to Santiago Bernabeu.

“I expect a cheerful welcome from the fans. They were very supportive when I was in charge,” was Pellegrini quoted as saying by Marca.

“I will always be grateful to the Real Madrid faithful and I’m grateful for being able to work in the footballing world. I’m quite proud of what I achieved with Real Madrid. Football allowed me to enjoy the most successful league campaign in the history of Madrid.”

Real Madrid collected 96 points from 38 games under Pellegrini, but the current Boquerones boss was unfortunate to see Barcelona still beat his team to the league title.