Ahead of the big Manchester Derby on Sunday, Manuel Pelligirini refuses to confirm captain Vincent Kompany’s inclusion, and says he will not compromise on the style of football just to get three points.
Manuel Pelligrini’s men make a short trip to Old Trafford on Sunday, and the City Boss is still uncertain about the inclusion of his captain Vincent Kompany.
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On Kompamy’s Inclusion
Kompany suffered a calf injury against Juventus in the Champions League on 15th September, and has been out of action since. Even after Pelligrini confirmed that the Belgian would not feature in Belgium’s Euro qualifier, he did play against Israel.
a I repeat what I said, I dona t need to explain it all again. He was five weeks without playing and on his return he played 45 minutes. Hea s fit. Wea ll see when hea ll return. But I always say this team is better with Vincent than without him.a , Pelligrini said in the press conference.
On not compromising with respect to style of play
The City boss also admits that the manner in which his team wins is more important than just securing three points.
a It is essential, without doubt [to play well always]. Maybe at the end of the season you tell me you are going to win the title but by not playing the way you want in the last three or four games [then] of course Ia d want to win the title. But to prepare to win the title, this team must play the right way or ita s not a successful season.”
City conceded just one goal in their opening six games when Kompany led the defence, and it tempted Pelligrini to label the Kompany-Mangala partnership as “untouchable”. The team’s performance looked shaky at times in the absence of their skipper, and in a crucial match like the one ahead, Manchester City would want him to lead from the front.