Pellegrini came in for criticism for selecting a youthful team nearly completely devoid of recognisable names for City’s trip to Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup fifth round, which saw Chelsea win 5-1.
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“We played better than Liverpool but I think if you tell me which way I prefer to win, I prefer to win this way”.
“There’s only a couple of trophies to be won this year and if he wins this trophy it’s a huge success for Liverpool – even if he finishes 10th in the league”.
“It is important to continue to trust what we are doing”, he continued.
Emre Can converted Liverpool’s first spot kick, but City goalkeeper Willy Caballero saved the subsequent penalties from Lucas Leiva, Coutinho and Adam Lallana.
Fernandinho gave Man City the lead in normal play after an error from Liverpool’s otherwise outstanding keeper Simon Mignolet and Coutinho took the occasion beyond 90 minutes with a late equaliser.
“If I could choose to win in any way, it would be this: with Willy as the hero”, Pellegrini said, crediting Hart for his role in the victory as well.
“We are not giving up on the Premier League”, said Pellegrini, who will be replaced by Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola at the end of the season.
Klopp, who was forced into an early defensive reshuffle as Mamadou Sakho suffered a head injury, also defended his penalty takers and explained that Daniel Sturridge could not be amongst the five players selected.
“It’s amazing to win this cup, amazing”.
Liverpool manager Klopp has to lift his side, whose priority now is the Europa League tie with Manchester United up next month.
“It’s a shame we conceded a goal because we defended really well today”, said Caballero.
“If I was allowed to say shit I would say shit but I’m not allowed!”
“We are very happy, I hope we can win more trophies”, he said. You hang on his every word.
City defeated the Reds 3-1 on penalties after the score stayed level on 1-1 following the completion of 120 minutes and it was a bitter pill to swallow for the German. “We can’t change this game now”. We have to go the hard way – that’s how it is. We have to work really hard, carry on and there is light at the end of the tunnel. It is really important.
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“Tonight we feel rubbish-shit”.
