New Manchester City Boss Manuel Pellgrini insists that his side can topple local rivals Manchester United in this year's Premier League. Speaking to the press at his first new conference since succeeding Roberto Mancini, the 59-year-old Chilean said overcoming the challenge from David Moyes's team would be the top target.
"Well I know that the most important thing for all the fans of Manchester City is to beat Manchester United and if I am here I am it's because I am sure we will do it. I am sure that this year, same as other years, Manchester City will be top of Manchester United; we will try at least. I know David Moyes (new United manager). I have played against Manchester United twice in the Champions League with Villarreal. In both years -- I don't remember, 2006 and 2009 -- we classified to the last 16 and Manchester (United) didn't do it, so I have experience playing against Manchester United"
As well as attempting to overhaul United in the Premier League, pressure will be on Pellegrini to replicate his previous European success at Malaga and Villareal and take City in to the latter stages of the Champions League. Pellegrini maintained though that the club will not prioritise one competition over the other.
"For me it is exactly the same. We don't have priority for one competition than the other. I know we have, we have to improve in the future what Manchester City have done in the last years in the Champions League, but also I think the Premier (League) is so important, the same as Champions (League) or FA Cup. We will try to do our best in all the competitions"
With new signings Jesus Navas and Fernandinho, City will begin their Premier League campaign at home to Newcastle on 17 August.
