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Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has stirred up a controversial debate after he said that he does not consider the match against Manchester United a big game in the EPL this season.
The two teams will face off against each other in the Manchester Derby at the Etihad this Sunday, but Pellegrini has already played down the importance of the big clash.
City are currently third with 17 points while United are eighth with 13 points ahead of the derby.
United not as big as Chelsea or Liverpool: Pellegrini
At a press conference ahead of the Manchester derby, the Chilean boss said: “I don’t think this is the biggest game.
“Against Liverpool, or Chelsea, or the big teams, I always say they are six point games because you win and your rival doesn’t.
“Every derby is different from another one. Both teams are not in their best moment of the season, but every derby is special.”
City are not in the best of form in the League. They have already lost to Stoke City and West Ham while the defending champions were knocked out of the Capital One Cup by Newcastle United this week.
Pellegrini continued: “One year ago, at the end of October, I was getting the same questions, when we didn’t win away from home for six games.
“We will continue to play the same way.”
Derby is still important: Pellegrini
The Sky Blues boss also said that form did not matter in a derby.
“It doesn’t matter what we do the games before the derby. It is important for us to play well against Manchester United, or against QPR next week, or against CSKA Moscow.”
Pellegrini was also criticized for playing senior squad members in the League Cup game which ultimately led to a David Silva knee injury while Yaya Toure is still a doubt with a groin injury. Silva is already ruled out for three weeks.
“We are a team and in that team we need top players in their top form because that’s the best way to play well.”
