Pellegrini: Manchester City are now a bigger club than Manchester United

Speaking on the eve of club’s Champions League tie Round of 16 against Barcelona, Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini claims that City are now bigger than Manchester United and that victory over Barça would cement the club’s credentials as one of the finest in the world. He spoke of the tie against the Catalans being an important step in the club’s evolution into one of the best in the world.

Pellegrini said: “If we only consider this season, there is just one club in Manchester and it’s ours, but you cannot forget what United has done in the previous years. We are aiming to keep growing by winning many trophies – not just national but international trophies. We are fighting for four titles this year.”

The manager also spoke of the need to be patient and not rush into anything. He said “We have to be patient because you cannot change the team from one day to another. We have to keep the philosophy of the style and for that you need time.”

Ever since the club came into the control of billionaire Sheikh Mansour in September 2008, the club has undergone a complete transformation. From being a side that got into Europe once every few years, they have established themselves as one of England’s elite.

On being asked how important the tie against Barcelona is, the manager said that it “is a good test” and one that is “important.” However, he was very quick to throw caution to the wind and played down the importance of the clash by claiming that they “are just in the round of 16.” He added “We can beat Barcelona and maybe in the next round you can have defeat.”

However, the Chilean was quick to insist that they will give it their all, to emerge victorious. He said “So far we have a good season and we must finish that way. One of our targets is to continue in the Champions League knowing we play against [and beat] the most important club in the world.”

Pellegrini understands the tie will mean a lot to the supporters and is hopeful that they enjoy the game, just like the season so far. “Of course I understand, I’m absolutely sure the fans will enjoy to see us play this game. They also enjoyed it a lot when we qualified for the next round because it was the first time we did it but I think the supporters are also enjoying the season. We want to be champion in the Premier League or both cups we are playing in but, for me, it’s always very important that the fans like the way we play. I think we can have both – to achieve important results and play in a style the fans enjoy.”

David Silva believes that City need to win, to make a mark on the European stage. The Spanish midfielder said “It will be difficult but beating Barcelona would be like a coming of age for Man City. It’s very important for our confidence and international recognition.”

The midfielder also believed that the Catalans are the favorites, but that City have the opportunity to go through. “Barcelona are the favorites. They have the history, the experience, and the best player in the world in Leo Messi. But of course we have an opportunity. We believe in ourselves and in our football. The key is to keep the pressure on for 90 minutes, to avoid silly mistakes and take advantage of the chances. Against such a good team, you cannot miss them.”

Echoing his thoughts was the manager Pellegrini who insisted that he would change their style when they come up against the Catalans. He said “When you play against Barcelona you always must consider important things, but I think the most important thing is to try to be the same team that you’re seeing every week here in the Premier League.”

“That for me is very important – continuing to have a style of play, to continue having personality, but you can’t play without considering that they have Messi and other important players. We are not going to play just thinking about defending because thinking about what we are going to do with the ball is the most important thing.”