Manuel Pellegrini says City fully focused on Stoke City test

Manuel Pellegrini says Manchester City will take Saturday’s meeting with Stoke City as seriously as Real Madrid on Tuesday because all of the major European clubs have to compete domestically and in the Champions League.

While City face Real in the semi-final opening leg next week, City’s 1-1 draw at Newcastle United on Tuesday night increased the importance of beating Stoke at the Etihad Stadium. Pellegrini’s team dropped to fourth following Arsenal’s midweek win over West Bromwich Albion.

City are on 61 points, two clear of Manchester United, and Pellegrini insists their focus must remain on Stoke.

A spot

He said: “It’s very important because we’re in the semi-finals but that doesn’t mean we’re not worried about the Premier League. All the big teams must always try and reach the final and be involved domestically to try to win it. For us it’s very important to get a spot for the Champions League next year.”

Sergio Agüero scored City’s goal at Newcastle, taking him to 22 Premier League strikes for the season. He is two behind Harry Kane’s in the race to finish top scorer but Pellegrini may not rest the striker before Tuesday.

“Sergio is very important but I’m sure Real Madrid will play their best team [at Real Vallecano on Saturday] also because they are going for the league. So we are going to win that game [Stoke] with our best players.

“You always have risks of an injury. For big teams you cannot choose one competition. For some reason the big clubs can be knocked out. It’s important not to leave one competition.”

City have four league matches left and host Arsenal in the final home game on May 8th. Pellegrini said: “You need to win your own games. If we win our points we’re going to be third in the table. . the pressure is the same. The only way to do it is to win our games.”

David Silva is back in the squad of 18 for today’s game, while Vincent Kompany has had no reaction to playing from the start on Tyneside.

“Silva is fit and he’s in the squad. I hope nothing will happen and there will be no problems. Vincent felt very good after the game. Nasri can’t recover 100 per cent from his muscle injury. Next game I hope he’ll be okay. All of the rest of the squad is fit.” Guardian Service