Manuel Pellegrini has seen Manchester City's title defence come to a disappointing end after a poor run of form. Michael Regan / Getty
Manuel Pellegrini has seen Manchester City's title defence come to a disappointing end after a poor run of form. Michael Regan / Getty

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Manchester City ‘growing every year’, says Pellegrini, despite meek league title surrender

Manuel Pellegrini insists Manchester City are still heading in the right direction under his leadership despite surrendering the Premier League title without a fight.

Agence France Presse

April 25, 2015

Manuel Pellegrini has said Manchester City are still heading in the right direction under his leadership despite surrendering the Premier League title without a fight.

Pellegrini’s side have limply allowed the English crown to slip from their grasp after falling 12 points behind leaders Chelsea with only five games remaining.

City also struggled once again in the Champions League, barely making it out of the group stages before bowing out in tame fashion against Barcelona.

After slumping down to fourth place, they must focus on securing enough points to hold off fifth placed Liverpool in the race to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

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Inevitably Pellegrini’s future has been called into question, with Jurgen Klopp, who will leave Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season, among the names linked with his job.

But the Chilean is adamant City have shown enough progress in his two-year reign to warrant another season in charge.

“I think this club is growing every year. For me you are never satisfied if you do not win the title but if you cannot win it you must try to be as near the top of the table as you can,” Pellegrini said ahead of Saturday’s home clash with FA Cup finalists Aston Villa.

“It is difficult when you have a stamp put in your chest that you must be the best because you are the only club that has money. It is difficult for this club to fight against that.

“We try to do the best we can. I don’t think it is so, so bad what this club is doing, and not just in my two years.”

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