Manuel Pellegrini has called on his Manchester City side to improve their defending as they head in search of their first win away at Sunderland in five years.
Despite having installed Costel Pantilimon for last weekend’s game against Norwich, Pellegrini believes that Joe Hart is deserving of his place in the England squad but did not confirm which goalkeeper would start.
The Chilean manager is pleased with how his side is performing but wants to see improvements made especially at the back.
“For the moment we are an attacking team but it is important to know how to defend,” he told a press conference.
“We cannot continue losing points away, we are six points behind Arsenal and they play United this weekend.”
Pellegrini confirmed that David Silva and Stevan Jovetic are unavailable with Vincent Kompany still around two weeks away from returning.
Striker Sergio Aguero drew praise for his recent performances from Pellegrini and the Argentine is keen to end the losing streak.
“The record is there to be broken. Two years ago we had not won the league in 44 years and now we have won it,” he told the City website.
“At home I think we are doing very well, we are strong, but we must improve away.”
Aguero echoed the message of his manager that it is City’s away form that is hurting them as they currently sit fifth in the league.
“We must continue to try not to make mistakes, especially away, because that is holding us back,” he said.
“We are not doing well in away games and we to start winning consistently because, at the end of the season, this will be very important.”
Image courtesy of MCFC via YouTube, with thanks.
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