Manuel Pellegrini has spoken out to the press ahead of Manchester City’s clash with German giants Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday. The Chilean identified one new injury problem, stating that “Clichy has a problem with his feet. It’s not a serious problem, but I think it was too much of a risk for him to play (against Bayern.” However, the City boss dismissed fears that he could miss the important home tie with Premier League leaders Arsenal at the weekend, adding that the left-back “will not have any problem for Saturday” and will be fit to face his former team.
Existing injuries to former Fiorentina duo Matija Nastasic and Stevan Jovetic were also addressed, with Pellegrini noting that they have both “stayed in Manchester”, whilst “all of the other players are available for selection.”
Despite the widespread hype over the Premier League showdown between City and Arsenal at the Etihad this weekend, City boss Pellegrini was quick to add significance to the game in Germany.
“Of course, one of the most important things was to achieve the qualification for the next round before we finished the group, not to decide it here in Munich.
“But first, tomorrow we must have a very good game.”
“Of course, it’s an important game. We have qualified already, but I think it’s also very important to improve on what we did against Bayern at home. We didn’t play well in that game - all of us know why.”
Pellegrini is also keen to repair any damage done by the dominating Bayern side that beat City 3-1 two months ago, stating that he will seek to “change the image” that the team provided in that game.
With questions about goalkeeper Joe Hart once again flying in Pellegrini’s direction, the manager did well to deal with the pressure.
“Maybe Joe will start. I think it’s a very important game for him. Not just thinking about the past, but thinking about the future.
“I am absolutely sure that I trust in him.”
The 60-year old did, however, did mention the game against the Gunners in his press conference, citing the fixture as a “tough game”.
Citizens’ defender Martin Demichelis was also on the panel, having been signed by Pellegrini in the summer, has accumulated 87 first team appearances under Pellegrini during his time at City and Malaga, whilst he even made several appearances at River Plate in his early days with his current boss at the helm.
Demichelis was quick to praise the team’s efforts on the European front.
“Every game is always important. Thank God we have already achieved that target, that we have reached the knockout stages. Tomorrow is a very important game for us - we have to learn a lot.”
And the Argentine centre-back, who spent seven-and-a-half years with the Bayern Munich earlier in his career, acknowledged the Bundesliga Champions’ strength.
“We are playing against a very big team, and in my opinion, the best team in the Champions League. This is why we have to really play well and we have to prove that we are very well for the knockout stages.”
“It’s very difficult to analyse a weak point (for Bayern). We have to play tomorrow with a real fire in our stomachs. It’s a great team that we are playing and it will be great preparation for us.”
The 32-year old veteran also backed his boss, who has brought a new “attacking” and “attractive” style of football to Manchester City – leading them to 41 Premier League goals.
“I think that Manuel has shown with Malaga and Villarreal what he can achieve. He’s shown what he can do in the Champions League.
“I think we are now on a really good path. We’re growing every game, every week, every month. We have a great future ahead of us with Manuel and also with the club.”
And speaking on a personal level, Demichelis added: “Tomorrow, it will be a special occasion for me and I’m very happy to be here.”
No matter what the outcome, the game promises to be an entertaining affair, with both teams expected to rest key players. City need a three-goal winning margin to top the group, something that seems unlikely at the Allianz Arena, with Bayern currently on an 18-match unbeaten home run in all competitions – making somewhat of a fortress of their home. Bayern have also managed to accumulate a series of 40 unbeaten Bundesliga matches since losing against Bayer Leverkusen in October 2012
