Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta has come to the defence of beleaguered manager Manuel Pellegrini following the criticism that the Chilean has faced as the Citizens face a trophyless campaign.
Pellegrini took charge of the Premier League outfit at the start of the 2013/14 season and in his inaugural campaign in English football, he guided the Citizens to the league title and the League Cup.
He also led the club to their first ever foray into the knockout stage of the Champions League last term.
But the Chilean has been unable to repeat last season’s success and Manchester City are heading towards a trophyless season. A lack of silverware has put the spotlight on the manager and his position at the club appears to be hanging by a thread with several prominent coaches linked as his replacement.
However, Zabaleta has come to the defence of the 61-year-old, saying that he deserves respect from everyone for the work he has done with Manchester City.
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He further added that Manchester City’s struggles this term are a collective failure and it is unfair to blame Pellegrini alone.
"The manager deserves more respect from everyone”, he was quoted as saying by the PFA.
“He came here last season; he won the league and the Capital One Cup.
"We cannot blame just the manager for this moment.
“Individual players have also not been great in the whole season.
“Everyone is responsible – when you don't win titles it can be a little bit frustrating for everyone."
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