“We are near to the start of the Premier League so I think that the senior players will have more minutes than the last game and I think Delph will be involved” explained the City boss.
“Edin didn’t play the last game as it’s not clear if he will continue here or not but he is still working here with the whole squad.”
Pellegrini moved on to hail what is set to be another special occasion at the world famous Melbourne Cricket Ground following hot on the heels of City’s thrilling penalty shoot-out win over Roma on Tuesday.
“Playing in front of 90.000 is going to be big for the players – although the result is not important, both teams will try to win.”
“We are going to see a new Manchester City this season – a team involved in four competitions. I have a lot of trust in this squad.”
“It’s always special to play against Real Madrid, especially because of the way the fans supported me when I left.”
“We are in pre-season and it’s friendly but the fans deserve to see a good game, so I’m sure Real Madrid and us will play a good game.”
Sitting alongside the manager was Yaya Toure who has looked sharp and refreshed throughout City’s tour of Australia. The Ivorian shared his view on how he thinks the team is shaping up as the Barclays Premier League kick-off gets ever-nearer.
“I always try to be at my best – even sometimes it’s not easy but that’s part of the game. Football for me is everything. I know my job well and sometimes I hear people try to know better, I don’t want to respond. I want to do my best for the club and to try to help my teammates. I can play until 40, I know my quality and that’s all.”
“We’ve signed some great players this year – Sterling and Delph we will welcome them and we hope they will give us a massive boost this year.”
“We’ve signed some great players this year – Sterling and Delph we will welcome them and we hope they will give us a massive boost this year.”
“We need to bounce back and to support our fans – they have supported us for long years and we want to make them proud.”
“There was too much speculation about me leaving – it’s clear that I have my contract at City and I want to see out my contract.”
“It’s always nice to play in a full stadium – it’s amazing. Tomorrow is going to be a massive game.”
There’s be live coverage of City v Real Madrid on @mcfc Twitter along with highlights and reaction after the game on Friday.
Watch the full press conference below...
