Manchester City manager Manuel Pellgerini believes that their mid-season sojourn to Abu Dhabi will have no bearing on their match against Middlesbrough tomorrow.
The reigning Premier League champions, who lost their last league match to Arsenal, sit second in the league table, five points adrift of leaders Chelsea.
Pellegrini’s men returned today from their mid-season trip, during which they played a friendly against Bundesliga outfit Hamburg.
They are scheduled to take on Middlesbrough in their fourth round FA Cup tie tomorrow, but Pellegrini believes the mini-break will not affect his side adversely when they take on the Championship outfit.
“We are not worried about the travelling element. There is only a few hours difference between and we will return to the CFA [City Football Academy] on Friday and prepare for the game as normal”, Pellegrini told the club site.
relatedNewsStory
On the contrary, the Chilean insisted that it was the right time to take a break and they have returned refreshed for the remainder of the season as a result, with a breather amidst a busy period most welcome.
"It was the right time to have a break and we've enjoyed our stay in Abu Dhabi.
"Last January we played eight or nine games so it was important to have this time so we can return refreshed.”
Manchester City will host Middlesbrough in their fourth round FA Cup tie at the Etihad Stadium tomorrow, looking to bounce back from defeat to Arsenal.
Don't bet on football until you've visited Inside Bet! Interesting markets, top tips, betting facts – get all the info before you bet.
