• Premier League

Man City star hopes for Pellegrini arrival

Pablo Zabaleta has joined the chorus of Manchester City players suggesting Manuel Pellegrini is the right man to succeed Roberto Mancini at the Etihad Stadium.

Pellegrini is tipped to take over at City after confirming he will leave Malaga at the end of the season and Zabaleta has thrown his support behind the Chilean coach.

The defender played in the reserves at Argentinean side San Lorenzo when Pellegrini was in charge of the first team and he believes City will be heading in the right direction if they appoint the 59-year-old.

"I have never worked under Pellegrini before, when he was at San Lorenzo I was in the second team," Zabaleta said. "I don't know him as a person but he did well at Real Madrid, Villarreal and Malaga. We will see if Pellegrini signs for Manchester City.

"His way to play football is great. Somebody told me he is a great manager so we will wait to see what happens. Hopefully if he comes to City he can just carry on with his football."

Pellegrini steered Malaga to the Champions League quarter-finals this season and Zabaleta believes the manager's direct approach could improve City's fortunes in Europe.

"He likes to play attractive football," Zabaleta added. "What I saw with Malaga, whenever they played, they played to win.

"This is something important for a top team. Wherever you go to play, you play to win. Whoever is the manager, players need to work hard. When a new manager comes in you need to show you want to keep your place in the team and I am sure we will do in the pre-season."

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