The Blues’ boss felt his team had little luck during the loss at Turf Moor, but with a five-point deficit in Chelsea’s favour - plus having played two more matches than Jose Mourinho’s side - the odds are quickly stacking up against the champions.
“We must continue to fight but the chances of winning the title are far as things stand,” said Pellegrini.
“There is still a chance, but is more difficult after this result. We needed to create more chances than we did and find more space in and around their defence.
They had just one shot on target and they scored a beautiful goal that Joe Hart had no chance of saving
...Manuel Pellegrini...
“This was a very important game for us, as they all are from now until the end of the season, so we are of course very disappointed.”
The Chilean was non-committal on the decision to deny City a late penalty as Pablo Zabaleta appeared to be felled in the box by Ben Mee, adding: “Was it a penalty? Maybe, but the referee decides these moments and I don’t think that was the most important thing in this game.
“The issue for us at present is that we are not winning the games that we normally do, especially against teams we are expected to beat and that is because we are not scoring goals.
“I’m sure all our players are giving all that they can at this moment but we have to keep trusting in what we are trying to do and believe our performances will return to our normal levels.
“Now our focus must turn to Wednesday night and our game against Barcelona.”
