and turns in the Premier League title race after
Sunday's Manchester derby.
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini does not believe
Sunday's derby against Manchester United will have a decisive
impact on the Premier League title race.
City make the short journey to Old Trafford for the 170th edition
of the fixture with a slender two-point advantage over their
rivals at the summit, with United behind Arsenal on goal
difference.
While Pellegrini appreciates the importance of the game in
terms of tackling a close rival with local passions running high,
he is more interested in proving that the club he led to the
league title in 2013-14 are the best in England over the long
haul.
"It's an important three points and I always say it's a six-pointer
because you're playing the team behind you," he told a news
conference. "But it will not be a game that will decide the title.
"For the city it's always a special game. It's very important for
both sets of fans to win, and for both to demonstrate who is the
best team in the city.
"Of course we are involved in the same situation, and it's very
important as a team to win this derby because it's a special
game for fans."
He added: "Maybe, the most exciting thing for everyone is to win
the title.
"If you win against a team of the same city or another team, for
some people it can be better.
"For me, the most important thing is to demonstrate that you
are the best team."
Pellegrini offered his support to Manchester City fans who
chose to boo the Champions League anthem ahead of
Wednesday night's 2-1 win over Sevilla, after UEFA launched a
much criticised investigation into the incident.
"For me, the fans pay for their ticket and they are free to express
themselves with how they feel with order and respect," he said.
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