The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Pellegrini

  • Pellegrini wary of City collapse

    Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini remains wary of avoiding another “disaster” the season after winning a Premier League title, despite the comfortable nature of Sunday’s opening 2-0 victory at Newcastle United.

    Three years ago, City claimed their first top-flight title in 44 years under Italian Roberto Mancini but were off the pace during their defence the following season, finishing well behind local rivals Manchester United in second spot.

    Last season brought another league crown to the Etihad Stadium in Pellegrini’s first campaign at the club, and he said they could not afford to rest on their laurels if they hoped to avoid another letdown.

    “This team won the title two years ago and the next season was a disaster, it wasn’t a useful year for anyone,” the Chilean told the BBC.

    “Last season, Manchester United had a disaster (finished seventh) after winning the title.

    “It’s important from the beginning that we understand we won the title last season and need to win again this year.”

    City were not at their thrilling best at St James’ Park, with some players not up to full fitness and Newcastle showing some steel that was missing for much of last season.

    However, their attacking riches proved the difference, Yaya Toure and Edin Dzeko combining to set up David Silva before halftime and Sergio Aguero adding a second late on.

    Fernando, a 15 million euros ($20.08 million) arrival from Porto, was confident on his midfield debut and with Eliaquim Mangala, Bacary Sagna, Willy Caballero and Frank Lampard not featuring, Pellegrini was confident he had the squad depth to claim repeat Premier League titles for the first time.

  • Dzeko’ll renew his Man City contract —Pellegrini

    Manuel Pellegrini expects Edin Dzeko to be the next Manchester City star to sign a new contract at the Etihad Stadium.

    City began the defence of their Premier League title with a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United on Sunday, with Dzeko leading the line and providing the assist for David Silva’s opening goal.

    The Bosnia-Herzegovina star bagged 26 goals in all competitions last season and after securing the futures of Vincent Kompany, Sergio Aguero and Silva last week, Pellegrini expects Dzeko to be next.

    “I don’t think it’s 100 per cent finished – but yes, he will renew his contract,” the Chilean said after the win at St James’ Park. “He’s a very important player for us.

    “It’s very important that we have four top strikers because we have so many games in four competitions.

    “I think that Edin finished last season playing very well.

    “Of course for me, he was one of the best players of the game (against Newcastle), not only because he participated in the first goal, [but] because he worked the whole game.

    “He won a lot of aerial duels, he supported the ball, it was a very complete game, but I repeat, I think that Edin finished last season playing the same way as he’s started now.”

    Dzeko had been expected to leave City last season following the arrival of Alvaro Negredo and Stevan Jovetic but has since flourished under Pellegrini’s guidance.