‘Man City’s Manuel Pellegrini deserves chance to win trophies’

Roque Santa Cruz says Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini deserves a chance to “win titles and be successful”.

The former Citizens striker worked under the Chilean at Malaga over the past season after the 31-year-old joined the La Liga club from the Eastlands outfit on loan before securing a permanent move.

Santa Cruz also worked with Pellegrini’s predecessor Roberto Mancini, and the Paraguay international backed City’s new manager to be a success at the one-time Premier League champions.

“It is tough to sack Roberto Mancini after his success and I think the fans realise that he deserved to continue but the club keeps moving forward and has high expectations,” said Santa Cruz.

“They are obviously chasing the Champions League next and there are few managers in the market that can deliver that.

“Pellegrini deserves the chance to win titles and be successful. He has great qualities when it comes to managing so many stars, a high-profile dressing room.

“The way that he is as a person – relaxed and calm – will make players feel important and part of the City project.

“He is good with squad rotation and a guy who can put everyone on the same ship.”