• Premier League

Dzeko confidence boosted by Pellegrini

ESPN staff
August 1, 2013
Edin Dzeko has impressed during pre-season © PA Photos
Enlarge

Edin Dzeko has revealed that Manuel Pellegrini has made him a different player by giving him plenty of confidence.

The new Manchester City manager has said that Dzeko, who was often a substitute under Roberto Mancini, is his first-choice striker for the coming season.

And the Bosnian has responded by scoring four goals in City's last three pre-season friendlies, including two in Wednesday's 5-3 win over AC Milan at the Audi Cup.

Dzeko told City's official website: "I feel different, better. I just feel that I have more confidence and that the manager gives me more confidence and that is an important thing."

The Bosnian said that Pellegrini's praise for him had given him a boost, adding: "I feel different because someone who is important has trust in you and that is good."

Dzeko reflected on a remarkable match at the Allianz Arena, when all eight goals came in the first half. "I have to say we played unbelievably," he said. "It was an amazing game in the first half-hour when we scored five goals. The last 15 minutes in the first half, I don't know what happened, we lost concentration and it can't happen again."

His strike partner Stevan Jovetic made his first appearance for City since his £24 million move from Fiorentina and Dzeko was impressed with what he saw.

He added: "It was his first game for City and he showed he will be a big name for us in the season."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices