Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini unfazed by Jose Mourinho comments

Manuel Pellegrini is refusing to rise to any of Jose Mourinho's comments as he prepares his Manchester City side for their clash with Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Monday night.

Earlier this week, Mourinho said City were expected to score a hatful of goals against every team - including his own - claiming Pellegrini's men were clear favourites for the title.

But Pellegrini refused to be drawn into a war of words ahead of Monday's televised clash, insisting he is only focused on his team's performance on a game-by-game basis.
"I'm not concerned about (these) things, I'm concerned about the amount of games we have to play," the Chilean said. "I'm concerned, like every manager, (about) trying to win all of the games.
"It would be a very important win but after that game we have 42 points more (to play for).
"It is not a race only of Chelsea and Manchester City.

"Arsenal dropped just two points in one draw (this week). I don't think because they dropped two points they have a weaker hand than the other teams. They are as strong as Chelsea or our team.

"There are three or more teams that all have chances also to win the title.
"But at this moment of the season, we are not thinking about that. We are thinking about trying to improve every match and win every match.
"We have 45 points more from now until the end of the season. The team that wins the title will be just by one point or two points, so we'll continue to try to be the top."
Mourinho was critical of the defensive tactics employed by Sam Allardyce in Chelsea's goalless draw at home to West Ham in midweek.

His comments about Pellegrini's free-scoring City side suggest he may adopt a defensive strategy himself, but the Chilean insisted his team will approach the game like they do any other.
"That question is for Mourinho, not for me," he said.
"I don't know which way Chelsea will play on Monday. They have a style of play, maybe it's not the same style that I like, but everyone can play the way they want.
"I never criticise what other teams do. I think it is very important for every team to resolve the problem that they have every match."