New Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has hit back at critics after his side played out ‘bore draw’ in their weekend fixture away at Stoke.
The Chilean made six changes to the title challengers granting a full debut for £22million summer signing Stevan Jovetic.
A draw was considered a fair result by both sides with few chances separating them over 90 minutes.
After the game Pellegrini dismissed suggestions that, after spending more than £90million over the summer, City should always be expected to win.
“I don’t think you must expect to win every match,” he said.
“Of course we want to win every game but it is impossible to do it.
“I will not always be happy when we draw away but for this match I think it was a good draw.
“I don’t believe because we made changes we didn’t play well.”
The Citizens have had a modest start to the season gaining just seven points from four games which sees them sitting fourth in the table.
However, Pellegrini hopes his fortunes will change with the return of talismanic skipper Vincent Kompany for Tuesday’s Champions League clash at Czech side Viktoria Plzen.
“Kompany is ok but it’s a risk to play this match and then maybe on Tuesday – two or three more days and he should be 100,” the Chilean said.
While Kompany is a doubt for the match he is, more importantly, almost certain to be back for the heated derby against fierce rivals Manchester United this Sunday.
Image courtesy of MCFC via YouTube, with thanks
For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.
