Manchester City may need just a little bit of luck to defeat Manchester United this Sunday, after Manuel Pellegrini revealed in his pre-match press conference the team might have to make due without Belgian defender Vincent Kompany. The Citizens' captain came down with a hamstring injury during the team's latest game against Crystal Palace, and even though he had a chance to train with his team-mates, his participation in the match remains questionable.
"Kompany we will assess tomorrow. He worked the whole week the normal way. I always say the same. We are always better with Kompany but if he cannot play we have a squad," the Chilean boss said. If the Belgian captain is unavailable to play, Pellegrini may need to start Eliaiquim Mangala alongside Martin Demichelis.
Pellegrini knows this game is a chance for his side to make history, since they could be winning their fifth consecutive Manchester Derby, despite being labeled as underdogs. The Engineer revealed his players still get an ego boost from Sir Alex Ferguson's words, who indicated previously the Sky Blues were becoming a thorn on the Red Devils' side.
"United dominated the league for so many years, but one time Sir Alex Ferguson said the neighbours are disturbing them a little bit more, so I say that's double motivation for us. Our target is not to compare but to improve in our project," Pellegrini added.
The Chilean manager has endured constant rumors about his possible dismissal as City's coach next season. Today, Pellegrini denied one more time being worried about being sacked when the current tournament ends, despite having being eliminated of every competition up until now.
"I don't think so. I am not talking about my future because it's not important, I'm just thinking about the game against Manchester United. You never know what will happen in August, if you ask me I am not afraid because I think we are in a bad moment. We are not a disaster, we are not a mess, we are doing a lot of things well," the Engineer concluded.
