Manuel Pellegrini has outlined his respect for Roma and Manchester City’s necessity to win, but says there is no particular pressure on his side.
The Premier League outfit host the Giallorossi on Tuesday evening in the second matchday of the Champions League group stage looking for first points on the board following defeat to Bayern Munich.
For the Citizens’ manager, Rudi Garcia’s men present a difficult challenge.
Manuel Pellegrini has outlined his respect for Roma and Manchester City’s necessity to win, but says there is no particular pressure on his side.
The Premier League outfit host the Giallorossi on Tuesday evening in the second matchday of the Champions League group stage looking for first points on the board following defeat to Bayern Munich.
For the Citizens’ manager, Rudi Garcia’s men present a difficult challenge.
“Roma are a great team, not only because they are going well now, but last year they also did well,” Pellegrini has commented in his pre-match Press conference.
“Garcia is a well-prepared Coach who has a squad full of fast players.”
Pellegrini is back on the touchline after completing a suspension in Munich last round.
“I do not believe that we lost against Bayern Munich for my absence. The team is in a good moment – at the start against Chelsea and Stoke we faced some difficulties, but we are now playing well.
“Against Roma we have to win, but we do not feel any particular pressure – in Germany we were close to a draw, but this would not have changed our attitude against the Giallorossi.
“It will be a difficult game, but we can get the three points – last year we began with a defeat, but that was at home and so was a worse situation, and then we won five in a row.
“Who will play? You can find out tomorrow.”
Pellegrini had also commented on the Roma test over the weekend.
“It’s a crucial game because Roma won their first match and we lost, so it’s important at home to win our first three points.
“It will be a very tough group and we cannot drop points here at home. It’s very important for us to win that game.
“You have to play six games and if you’ve lost the first two, it will be more difficult. I hope that the team will play the same way as we have this week. I’m very happy with all the performances, against Chelsea, against Sheffield Wednesday and on Saturday.
“I hope we can continue to stay in the same way.”