‘A loving father figure’- Iheanacho reveals Chilean coach who has impacted his career

The Super Eagles star has worked under different coaches in the Premier League, but one stands out for him 

Super Eagles star Kelechi Iheanacho has named Real Betis and former Manchester City boss Mauricio Pellegrini as the manager that has impacted his career the most.

The Chilean tactician handed Iheanacho his senior debut for Manchester City in 2015 after the Nigerian star had spent about 17 months at the City Academy.

The Super Eagles forward enjoyed a fine start to top-flight football under Pellegrini, scoring 19 goals and assisting five in 35 appearances.

However, that turned out to be his best season at the Etihad, as Pellegrini lost his job at the end of the 2015/16 season.

Pep Guardiola was appointed as the new boss, and under the Spanish gaffer, Iheanacho’s game time reduced significantly.

Deemed surplus to requirements at the Etihad, Iheanacho joined Leicester City in 2017.

During his time in the Premier League, Iheanacho has been under ten coaches, but the one that stood out was his first boss at Manchester City, Pellegrini.

“He has been my mentor, a man who brought me to the first team at Manchester City, so I will always be grateful to him,” Iheanacho told Nigeria Info FM.

“He is also a great manager, a loving father figure. The club loves him, and everyone that knows him, his personality is good, so I think it was great to work with him.”

After his stint at Manchester City, Pellegrini had a spell at Hebei in China, and he then returned to England, where he spent two years with West Ham.

The Chilean tactician is currently the coach of Real Betis.