MAN UP! SWANSEA v MAN CITY Pelle: Face facts United – we are kings of this city
MANUEL PELLEGRINI has taken a parting shot at rivals United by insisting City are the new kings of Manchester after his three years at the Etihad Stadium.
The two sides go into a shootout for the fourth Champions League spot today, with City knowing a point at Swansea will be enough to qualify – and condemn United to the Europa League.
And as Pellegrini waves goodbye to make way for incoming boss Pep Guardiola, the Chilean coach insists City have United trailing in their wake.
Results
“Both clubs have greats teams and great squads. But in the last three seasons we have done better than them – and the results show that,” Pellegrini said.
“If you compare the three Premier League campaigns, the amount of points, the amount of goals, the way we have played in the Champions League, we have been better.
“That gives me a lot of satisfaction because I know what it means to the fans. I know that for the fans it is always important to have a better season than United. The only thing I will say is compare United to what the other big teams have done.
“Have they won the title? Have they scored more goals and conceded less?
“Have they continued in the Champions League? That is the only way to compare.
“But if we were just better than United and worse than every other team, I wouldn’t be happy.
“It is important to be t he best t eam in Manchester – and we have been the best team in this city for the last three seasons.
“But we have not only been better than United over the last three years.
“We have also been better than Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea, and every other team in terms of points and goals.” And as he prepares to pack his bags, Pellegrini reckons the obsession with Guardiola’s arrival is a warning sign for the future.
“A lot of things have happened this season and one of the things is that people started to think about next season before this one was finished,” he said. “In the media it has been all about whether Guardiola will be playing in the Champions League.
“It has not been about whether Manchester City will play in the Champions League.
“It has all been about Guardiola – and it is a mistake to think like that. It cannot be about Guardiola. It has to always be about the club and not individuals.
Praise
“It’s important for me to leave this club in the Champions League – but not for the next manager. It is important for me.
“I want to finish my work in the best way. I want City to be in the Champions League because I want to leave this club feeling proud about my work here.”
Pellegrini – who has the best win record of any current Premier League boss – reckons his City haul of a league title, two Capital One Cups and semi- finals of the Champions League hasn’t been fully recognised.
“Over three, four or five years City have done better than any other club in England – and we deserve more praise than we’ve got,” he said.
“This club has never been given the credit they deserve. That has been my impression from the very first year.”
WeW h have been the best team in this city for the last three seasons