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Pep Guardiola’s unveiling: Manchester City’s new boss vows to ‘kick his players’ a****s’ in his official unveiling

Blue half of Manchester prepares for seismic overhaul as ex-Barcelona boss makes first official appearance

PEP GUARDIOLA was officially unveiled as Manchester City boss and said: "This is my new house."

The new Blues manager - who hinted at more big signings before the window shuts - also vowed to "kick my players' a***s."

 Pep Guardiola is officially unveiled as the new Manchester City manager
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Pep Guardiola is officially unveiled as the new Manchester City managerCredit: Reuters
 Pics Paul Cousans. Man Citys Pep Guardiola takes a black cab to the City training ground today. The new City boss jumped in to the cab and was ferried the 4 miles with his entourage behind him
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Pics Paul Cousans. Man Citys Pep Guardiola takes a black cab to the City training ground today. The new City boss jumped in to the cab and was ferried the 4 miles with his entourage behind himCredit: Paul Cousans/Zen Pix
 Pep Guardiola addressed the fans outside the City Academy stadium
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Pep Guardiola addressed the fans outside the City Academy stadiumCredit: Reuters

Guardiola jumped in the back of a taxi ahead of his arrival at the City Academy stadium.

And he said his first objective is to prove himself again after failing to win the Champions League at former club Bayern Munich - with some tough love for his highly-paid aces.

Guardiola said: "I have to know the players, hug them, kick their a***.

"I proved myself when I was at Barcelona and afterwards I proved myself in Germany.

"I want to prove myself here with my people, my staff and the amazing players Man City have and are coming in.

"Every weekend I want people to be proud of how City play. At the end what I want is after the game or season, our supporters can enjoy and be proud of what we did.

 Pep Guardiola was given a raucous reception by the Man City supporters
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Pep Guardiola was given a raucous reception by the Man City supportersCredit: Reuters
 Pep Guardiola vowed to give his new players some tough love
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Pep Guardiola vowed to give his new players some tough loveCredit: Reuters

"That's the most important thing. After that, maybe we'll win titles."

Former Borussia Dortmund star £21m Gundogan, Guardiola's first signing as City boss, arrived without his crutches to see the Spaniard.

However, he has already admitted he is to miss the start of the season as he continues recovery from a knee injury.

But added that was no problem with Guardiola.

Gundogan said: "When I got this injury he said it changes nothing for him. He still wanted me at the club. I'm really happy to have this opportunity."

Guardiola's backroom staff was boosted today before he set foot at the ground with Mikel Arteta announcing he was to join.

 Man City star Ilkay Gundogan arrived at the Etihad without his crutches
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Man City star Ilkay Gundogan arrived at the Etihad without his crutchesCredit: Sport Image
 Ilkay Gundogan looked happy ahead of Pep Guardiola's official unveiling
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Ilkay Gundogan looked happy ahead of Pep Guardiola's official unveilingCredit: Getty Images
 Stephanie Houghton was at the Etihad to welcome Pep Guardiola
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Stephanie Houghton was at the Etihad to welcome Pep GuardiolaCredit: PA:Press Association
 City striker Kelechi Iheanacho was on hand to welcome the Spaniard
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City striker Kelechi Iheanacho was on hand to welcome the SpaniardCredit: PA:Press Association

The ex-Arsenal midfielder will link up with the coaching staff after confirming his retirement from the game.

Gundogan and Iheanacho were joined by Stephanie Houghton ahead of Guardiola's official reveal at 3pm.

Fans crowded outside the academy ground to catch a glimpse of their new manager.

 Fans flocked to see Pep Guardiola announced as Manchester City manager
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Fans flocked to see Pep Guardiola announced as Manchester City managerCredit: Reuters
 City fans merged outside the Academy stadium to catch a glimpse of Pep Guardiola
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City fans merged outside the Academy stadium to catch a glimpse of Pep GuardiolaCredit: Reuters

That came as it emerged Guardiola is reportedly plotting to bring Luis Suarez and Toni Kroos to Manchester after rivals United confirmed Zlatan Ibrahimovic's signing.

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