Pellegrini confident of City credentials

16 August 2013 13:18

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini says he is confident he has a squad capable of competing on all fronts this season as they prepare for Monday's Premier League opener against Newcastle United.

But the Chilean has not ruled out making more additions at the Etihad Stadium before the transfer window closes on September 2.

City have brought in Fernandinho from Shakhtar Donetsk, Stevan Jovetic from Fiorentina and also Alvaro Negredo and Jesus Navas from Sevilla for a combined total of around £87 million (US$136.1m).

The former Real Madrid and Malaga boss is happy to have done his business early in the transfer window and feels he now has a squad that can compete domestically and on Europe's biggest stage.

"We have the squad we need for the year, not only in the Premier League but for the Champions League," he said on Friday.

"We have tried to complete what we will need for the whole year. I have a lot of confidence. We know we have a strong squad, other teams also have a strong team but I am sure we are going to have a very successful season.

"I am very pleased we did our business in the way we did, that was the best thing for us. We were always settled in what players we needed. I am happy with the squad."

Nevertheless, City have been linked to further signings and Pellegrini has refused to rule out more additions this summer.

"We will see on anymore new players," he added. "We don't need to finish today but maybe not."

Scott Sinclair, who signed for the Blues last summer in a £6.2 million deal from Swansea City, could be allowed to leave on loan if the midfielder decides he wants more first-team opportunities after a frustrating debut season.

"Scott Sinclair is here and in the squad," said Pellegrini. "He wants to play more and he has important players that play in the same position.

"We will see what happens with him today and tomorrow. But if he wants to go on loan to play more, we will try to give him that."

Meanwhile, City goalkeeper Joe Hart's form was called into question again in midweek when the England number one conceded a soft goal against Scotland in the international meeting of the two old enemies.

Hart palmed James Morrison's tame shot into his own goal but Pellegrini has confidence in his number one and is sure he will prove any doubters wrong.

"I haven't spoken with him, maybe tomorrow but I think Joe Hart has to demonstrate why he is the best goalkeeper in England every week he plays," said the City manager.

"He is a very important goalkeeper, I have a lot of trust in him. Everyone can make an error but I have a lot of trust in him and I am sure he will again this year show why he is the number one in England."

Pellegrini also revealed that Sergio Aguero is fit for the home clash with Newcastle on Monday despite not featuring in any of City's pre-season games, but defender Matija Nastasic will miss the game at the Etihad Stadium with the ankle injury he picked up in July's Asia Trophy.

Source: AFP