Manchester City manager, Manuel Pellegrini, was full of praise for Tottenham Hotspur, speaking to the press ahead of Sundaya s clash at the White Hart Lane.
Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur face each other on Sunday and both teams are vying to seal a spot in the European competitions. Tottenham are looking to keep seventh-placed Southampton at bay and seal a sixth place finish in order to qualify for the Europa League. On the other hand, Manchester City will want to finish in the second or third place as they look to avoid play the qualifying round of the Champions League.
Speaking to the press, ahead of Sundaya s game, Pellegrini was full of praise for Citya s opponents and admitted that it will be tough to face the North-London side.
a It will be a very tough game because Tottenham are a good team with good players and a good manager,a the manager said.
a They play in an offensive way so we must work very hard in defence. They need points to qualify for the Europa League and we must try to be near the top of the table. It is two teams who play well and try to attack.
a We hope that we will play a very good game for the fans.a
Manchester City have had a disappointing season so far, compared to the Argentinea s first season in charge of the club. City have failed to secure silverware and have also lost the battle for the Premier League long before the end of the season. However, despite rumours of the managera s job being on the line, Pellegrini feels the players support him and he is looking forward to prepare for next season.
Pellegrini stated: a I feel that support every day because I work with all the players every day. I said last week that in a bad season that second place is not something to be ashamed of.
a I didna t say it was a good thing to be in second place, and I think the players, management, owners and fans are not happy with what we did but we are working in the right way and we must arrange some things to win the title again next season.a
Manchester City are currently placed second in the league table, only one-point ahead of third-placed Arsenal, who have a game in hand. Chasing City closely are derby rivals, Manchester United, who are only two points behind Pellegrinia s side.