City will take on North London outfit Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League on Sunday evening.
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“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”, Pellegrini said.
“It is true that he is out of contract here and when his contract finishes it is a good opportunity for me to thank him for his contribution, not only as a player but also as a leader”.
“And I think he suffered physically this season from that”.
“It is still a very important game because part of the responsibility of being a professional is to prepare the future, and the future of Arsenal Football Club depends on this game”.
With West Ham also firmly in the hunt for Champions League qualification, the final week of the Premier League season may yet boil down to which two clubs are able to claim third and fourth position, and the passport to join Europe’s elite.
‘Continuing to the Champions League semi-final it’s not easy to have your mind on both competitions. All the other games we won. “The three seasons we were the most scoring team of the Premier League, but those things are important if you have achievement, not just the records”.
‘Except for the last game because it was so important to make the final, all the other Premier League games we put out our strongest teams.
Leicester City have celebrated their Premier League title, and rightfully so.
“I will look at my options when the season is finished”. The last five games we won four and lost just one.
“But I wouldn’t take too much notice of that reaction – sometimes you don’t want your players to be happy about coming off”. We reached the semi-finals of the Champions League; we couldn’t continue in the FA Cup.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger will be feeling the pressure in the run-up to the match, with two prominent supporters groups staging a protest about the way the club is being run by the Frenchman and its board during their last home game.
‘I think this squad deserves a lot of praise.
Two years ago, former United captain Keane mocked Arsenal’s players and accused them of needing a “reality check” following their exuberant celebrations – too many selfies for the Irishman’s liking – after securing fourth position. If Tottenham finish above Arsenal you can at least say it’s a one off because it has not happened in 20 years.
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‘As a manager you must always try to dominate your emotions, ‘ he said.
