Zabaleta leaps to manager's defence

Cape Town - Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta has come to the defence of his manager, Manuel Pellegrini, saying he does not receive the respect he deserves.

The beleaguered Chilean boss has come in for a heap of criticism after City's failure to win any silverware this season was highlighted by the capitulation of their title challenge in recent weeks.

Zabaleta admitted the season has been a disappointing one, but disagrees it has been the total disaster being widely reported.