Share

Pellegrini: Toure is ready to shine

Cape Town - Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has backed Yaya Toure to make an impact in Tuesday's Champions League clash with CSKA Moscow.

Questions have been raised regarding the midfielder's form this season, with the Ivory Coast international struggling to replicate the performances which saw him play a leading role in the Citizen's 2013/14 Premier League-winning campaign.

Toure was used as a replacement in City's league clash with Tottenham on Saturday, having only returned to training following the international break on Friday.

Speaking ahead of the encounter with CSKA, Pellegrini stated his belief that criticism of Toure is unfounded and that the 31-year-old will soon show his worth once more.

"I don't agree that Yaya has had a bad season," he said.

"Maybe if you compare his performances this year to last season, when he had a brilliant performance, maybe he just needs time to get back to that level.

"But he continues to be a very important player for our team, especially as he showed two games ago against Aston Villa.

"Every game he is playing better. He had a very complicated summer, but I think now he is arriving back towards his normal performance.

"But I don't think this team just depends on one player. If we didn't play well in some games before, it's because the whole team didn't play well, not only Yaya."

City have endured a mediocre start to their Champions League, claiming just one point from their opening two fixtures, and will be looking to kick-start their campaign in Russia.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE