Manchester City were one of many clubs tipped to win the English Premier League this season, but saw their bid to win the league crown fail, as they currently sit in third spot behind leaders Leicester and Spurs.
According to current manager Manuel Pellegrini, the uncertainty that was created by the club’s decision to announce Pep Guardiola imminent arrival next season was key to the collapse of their push for the title.
The Etihad side have one piece of silverware under their belt – the Capital One Cup – and are into the Champions League semi-final, but with only five games remaining in the league, a Premier League medal appears out of reach.
After the Guardiola deal was revealed back on February 1, Man City fell to two consecutive defeats to the Foxes and Tottenham, two results which Pellegrini believes ended their title hopes.
"For different reasons, we lost important games in February against Leicester and Tottenham," Pellegrini said, as per Sky Sports.
"For me, they're the two games that don't allow us now to be involved in the title.
"In the start of February came the news about the change of the manager, telling the players I will not continue here next year. A lot of things that involve the minds of all the players.”
Several players have been linked with an Etihad exit once Pep touches down in Manchester, with Yaya Toure’s agent revealing that he believes the Ivorian “will leave the club” due to the Spaniard’s scheduled arrival.
This mental stress has heavily affected the players in the eyes of Pellegrini, but the former Malaga boss strongly believes his boys have the mental strength to carry on.
"It's not easy for the players when you read in newspapers all the things that will happen next season, all the players who will go out, all the players that will come in," the Chilean tactician added.
"It's not easy for the players to focus their mind. But this squad has a lot of character. We never give up.
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