Premier League champions Manchester City are full of spirit ahead of Sunday’s clash for second place with Southampton, according to Manuel Pellegrini.
The Citizens are yet to hit full flow this season but showed in their thrilling comeback victory over Bayern Munich the team spirit required to chase down runaway leaders Chelsea.
As the busy festive season approaches, Pellegrini is choosing to focus on the positives and has highlighted the strength of character shown by his team.
“We can’t complain about our spirit. We were losing against Swansea and we scored twice, the same against Bayern,” said the Chilean.
Against Munich, Sergio Aguero was the hero once more when his hat-trick resurrected City’s European campaign.
“Sergio is a top player. He is a very important striker in the Premier League and we are very glad to have him,” added Pellegrini.
Fans will expect once more on Sunday but Aguero, the Premier League’s top scorer with 12 goals, will have to be on top form to break through the tightest defence in the league.
Southampton have made a mockery of pundits who predicted they might face relegation this season to sit one place above the champions in second.
Ronald Koeman has revamped a squad that was ravaged at the end of last season and City boss Pellegrini has been impressed by his work.
“They are a good team with very good players and they are playing very well. It is no surprise they are where they are,” said Pellegrini.
“Koeman has lost four or five players but they are still a good team and that is a merit to him. It will be a tough game.”
City are still without striker Edin Dzeko, who is expected back next week, and Spanish international playmaker David Silva who is continuing his recovery from a knee ligament injury.
The sides shared a 1-1 draw at Southampton last season when City’s goalscorer was, you guessed it, Aguero.
However a win this time around would be enough to help Koeman’s Saints move five points clear of City in second.
Main image courtesy of Manchester City FC via YouTube, with thanks.
