• Premier League

Pellegrini: Only one club in Manchester

Manuel Pellegrini has taken a swipe at his club's fiercest rivals by claiming there is only "one club" in Manchester.

The manager could guide Manchester City to an unprecedented quadruple this season while David Moyes' struggling United have been knocked out of the FA and League Cups and are languishing seventh in the Premier League.

Pellegrini is conscious of United's successful history but he is aiming to establish City, who won the Manchester derby 4-1 in September, as the dominant force in the area.

He said: "If we only consider this season, there is just one club in Manchester and it's ours, but you cannot forget what United have 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. 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."

City face Barcelona in the first leg of the their last-16 Champions League tie at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.

It is the first time City have made the knockout stages of Europe's premier club competition and former Real Madrid manager Pellegrini believes their next opponents are the foremost team in world football.

"It is a good test. It is important," Pellegrini said. "This club is trying to develop those areas. So far we have a good season and we must finish that way. One or our targets is to continue in the Champions League knowing we play against the most important club in the world.

"I am absolutely sure the fans will enjoy to play this game but they also enjoyed when we qualified for the next round because it was the first time we did it.

"I also think the supporters enjoy the season in the Premier League and in both cups. It is also important the fans like the way we play. We have to have both, important results and have the fans enjoy the way we play."

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