But Pellegrini admits he faces a hard job to lift his players after the crushing disappointment of their midweek Champions League semi-final exit to Real Madrid for a game against a Gunners side who will be refreshed after a week without a game.
Advertisement
Louis van Gaal’s side, meanwhile, need to win in order to close the gap on neighbours City down to a single point in the chase for fourth spot. “To continue here, not at Manchester City but in the Premier League, will always be an important option”.
“I don’t think the fans care who we got in the final, they are just happy and excited to be there”.
The spine of the team for the past few years is no longer as formidable, with the exception of goalkeeper Joe Hart and star striker Sergio Aguero, although the latter was peripheral in Madrid, as he has been for much of the Champions League campaign.
With the rivalry reaching the European level again, Madrid’s streets have been filled with fans proudly sporting each team’s jerseys, and the Champions League rematch was virtually the only thing making headlines in sports pages across the city.
“Continuing to the semi-final it is not easy to have your mind on both competitions”.
Bayern have won the league in each of the last three seasons with games to spare, but the destination of this season’s title has not been decided so late in the season since 2009/10. All the other games we did it. If I was just anxious about the Champions League I would have changed every important player for the Premier League games.
“It is important for the club and for me personally”.
Pellegrini said: “If you are not in the top four and in the Champions League the next year, to demonstrate you are one of the best teams in England, then for me it’s a disaster of a season”. In February we were in a position to win it, but it’s not a bad season.
“I think experience probably told a lot over the two legs”.
City have won only one game against the rest of the top eight Premier League teams all season. That alone would seal his tenure for next season, but banking on Luis Enrique and Diego Simeone collapsing at the finish line wouldn’t be too wise.
“When you play an opponent like that, you only have a chance if you’re cheeky and fearless”. We were never a disaster in the season.
Is appearing in the 2016 Champions League final enough to secure the France legend’s long-term tenure?
Indeed, this could be an emotional affair as it will be Pellegrini’s last ever game at the Etihad Stadium.
Advertisement
“You must always try to dominate your emotions”. He has made no decisions about his future but would consider staying in England.
