Chilean coach Manuel Pellegrini spoke about Diego Costa's absence in the crucial Premier League match between his side and current leaders Chelsea. The Sky Blues' boss hopes a "top player" like Costa can learn from his ban, after being involved in several disputes during his first year playing in the English top-flight.
"His character is not an easy character and I hope for him this punishment will be a good thing for him to change in the future. He doesn't need to do it that way because he's a top player. I'm talking after the punishment has been done so I'm not trying to take advantage for the game. I don't have more opinion because he's not my player," Pellegrini said.
Costa gets into an argument with Pablo Zabaleta during the Manchester City vs Chelsea match this season.
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Pellegrini analyzed Saturday's clash referring to the absence Yaya Toure, who has been a key asset for his team during this season. The Chilean hopes his men don't miss Toure's presence, since they have proven to be able to win complicated matches without him on the pitch.
"Yaya is a very important player for us but I was not decided that, if he was eliminated from the Africa Cup, he would come and play here two days afterwards because I do not think it is the correct way to do it. We played without Yaya in Rome and qualified in the Champions League and against Bayern Munich, so it is up to other players to demonstrate what they can do," the Chilean added.
Finally, the former Malaga boss feels confident about his chances of winning the Premier League, even if they lose tomorrow against Jose Mourinho's crew.
"If you remember some years ago this club won the title after being eight points behind Manchester United so in football you never know. It is a very important game and it is important for us to try and close that gap as soon as we can," Manchester City's manager ended.
