Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has taken a swipe at old rival Jose Mourinho by claiming he wouldn’t want to win the Premier League in the manner of champions-elect Chelsea.
Mourinho’s table-toppers can wrestle the title away from reigning champions City if they beat Crystal Palace on Sunday.
But Pellegrini is not a fan of the cautious tactics deployed by Mourinho.
The Chilean described the Chelsea as playing “like a small team” after the sides drew at the Etihad Stadium in September.
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Pellegrini prefers a more expansive approach and, with the title almost out of reach, he took aim at Mourinho just days after the Chelsea coach claimed City should have been deducted points for failing to meet Uefa’s Financial Fair Play regulations.
“We won exactly the same as Chelsea did this year in a different way last season, absolutely a different way,” Pellegrini said on Friday.
“I always try to think in the same way when we are losing or winning.
“When we play against Chelsea I say the impression is we play against a small team with very good players.
“For me, a big team which has possession of the ball must try to score more goals, must try always to win.
“But, I repeat, the most important thing is to win. After that you can choose the style you want.
“I don’t criticise him (Mourinho). It is different ways of thinking. Every person is different, I don’t think every person must be exactly the same.
“Maybe for some managers it’s more attractive to score goals. Maybe for another manager it’s more attractive not to concede goals. You must ask the fans what they prefer.
“This season I think that Chelsea were the best team, that he (Mourinho) deserves to win the title because he has (had) the most consistent team with very good players.”
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Results
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7pm: Arabian Triple Crown Round-1 – Listed (PA) Dh230,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Bahar Muscat, Antonio Fresu, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
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Fighter profiles
Gabrieli Pessanha (Brazil)
Reigning Abu Dhabi World Pro champion in the 95kg division, virtually unbeatable in her weight class. Known for her pressure game but also dangerous with her back on the mat.
Nathiely de Jesus, 23, (Brazil)
Two-time World Pro champion renowned for her aggressive game. She is tall and most feared by her opponents for both her triangles and arm-bar attacks.
Thamara Ferreira, 24, (Brazil)
Since her brown belt days, Ferreira has been dominating the 70kg, in both the World Pro and the Grand Slams. With a very aggressive game.
Samantha Cook, 32, (Britain)
One of the biggest talents coming out of Europe in recent times. She is known for a highly technical game and bringing her A game to the table as always.
Kendall Reusing, 22, (USA)
Another young gun ready to explode in the big leagues. The Californian resident is a powerhouse in the -95kg division. Her duels with Pessanha have been highlights in the Grand Slams.
Martina Gramenius, 32, (Sweden)
Already a two-time Grand Slam champion in the current season. Gramenius won golds in the 70kg, in both in Moscow and Tokyo, to earn a spot in the inaugural Queen of Mats.
