• Premier League

Pellegrini: We were still thinking about Liverpool

ESPN staff
April 16, 2014
Pellegrini: Liverpool loss affected us

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini claims Sunday's defeat to Liverpool weighed heavy on his players' minds as they suffered a shock 2-2 draw at home to Sunderland.

The result leaves City's title bid hanging in the balance with Pellegrini's side six points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool with a game in hand.

City led through Fernandinho after less than two minutes, but two second-half goals from Connor Wickham almost consigned them to defeat before Samir Nasri equalised late on.

"We did not play well but we had in our mind the game against Liverpool [on Sunday]. We did not deserve to win," said Pellegrini.

"It is not enough because we have Liverpool and Chelsea on top of the table and we needed to add three points - will see in the future what will happen but our chances are less.

"The team missed a lot of things, the way we played, the way we defended and our character - we could not take out of our mind the game against Liverpool.

"At this moment it is more mental than physical.

"When it no longer depends on what you can do it is very frustrating but we must finish season the way we have done practically the whole season, we must try to win our last five games - and hope that team will do it."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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