Nacho Monreal has heaped praised on departing Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini, who is the leading candidate for the vacant Manchester City post, after Roberto Mancini was sacked this month after failing to meet the club’s targets.

Monreal was signed by Arsene Wenger from Malaga on the deadline day of the January transfer window, after the departure of Gael Clichy and injury to Kieran Gibbs left the Gunners in a tight spot in the left back position.

The Spaniard joined Malaga in 2011 and spent two seasons when Pellegrini was manager. Monreal praised the techniques used by Pellegrini and suggested that the manager was very knowledgeable about the sport and imparted many useful tactics to the squad of players. He believes that Pellegrini was the best coach he has ever worked under, and that City are extremely fortunate to have him interested in working with them.

Pelligrini as a coach has worked at a variety of clubs including Villareal, where he spent nearly 6 seasons. After bringing a huge improvement in the Villareal side, he was noticed by the mighty Real Madrid, who took him on board for President Fiorentino Perez’s return to the club. Pellegrini helped bring Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka into the club, and was praised for his management skills.

After his spell at Madrid, he went on to Malaga, where a mega project was being launched under new middle-east owners, who had lavish plans to develop the club. However, with Mancini’s position at City threatened mid-season, Pellegrini was being lined up for a move to the Etihad Stadium in the summer as far back as the winter window. However, no official announcement has been made yet by City about this approach.

According to the Metro, Monreal said, “He’s the best coach I’ve worked under, the one who taught me the most.”

“He knows everything there is to know. It’s a shame that the project is falling apart. I hope [Malaga owner] Sheikh Al-Thani reconsiders, because the people there deserve better.”

It seems Pellegrini’s arrival is imminent, with the current crop of City players already heaping praise on their potential boss.