Pellegrini's domestic Manchester metropolis farewell falls flat

'now not successful this video game is not the style we desired to finish the season'

photograph:Manuel Pellegrini, manager of Manchester city acknowledges the lovers. photograph: Laurence Griffiths/Getty photographs.

Manchester city manager Manuel Pellegrini noted a fond Etihad Stadium farewell to the supporters on Sunday but it surely became hardly the feelgood, celebratory goodbye that he or the lovers craved.

After being held to a 2-2 draw by way of Arsenal, a effect that ended a foul week for city, most of the disheartened home devoted had departed by the time Pellegrini took to the microphone after his remaining domestic video game in charge.

"no longer successful this online game isn't the manner we desired to finish the season. We want to qualify for next yr's Champions League," the Chilean advised them, besides the fact that children that now looks more and more not likely.

The draw still leaves metropolis in fourth location but it surely has opened the door for Manchester United who, in the event that they win their closing two games, will pinch the fourth and last Champions League spot.

After being knocked out in the semi-finals of the Champions League by true Madrid in midweek, it seems unthinkable that incoming supervisor Pep Guardiola may well be left in cost of a Europa League crew subsequent season.

in all probability it changed into that dispiriting concept which brought about these city supporters with brief memories now not to bother putting round to pay a remaining tribute to the Chilean who took them to a Premier League and two League Cup wins in his three years in cost.

The stands had largely emptied when Pellegrini informed the supporters: "For me it's been three impressive, unforgettable years. thanks to the enthusiasts for all, i will be able to never forget you.

"don't change because this group needs you and that i'm certain next year you'll do neatly in all competitions. thank you all."

It changed into the kind of dignified handle that become anticipated from Pellegrini however nothing may conceal his dismay at yet another efficiency which tended to sum up his 2016 group, striking in patches earlier than petering out like a spent firework.

whereas a season that promised so much for metropolis seemed to be dying on its feet, Pellegrini took the probability to remind people about probably the most scintillating soccer his aspect have produced below his stewardship.

"In my time here we have superior a lot within the Champions League. also, for me, or not it's been about our fashion of play. There had been loads of advantageous things," he instructed the BBC.

This turned into echoed with the aid of city's chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak who used the notes within the in shape programme to praise the manager for greater than just the trophies he delivered to the Etihad.

"drastically, he has ensured that these achievements had been reached by means of taking part in a mode of attacking, entertaining soccer, that we can all be pleased with," wrote Al Mubarak.

"but beyond these achievements he has at all times contributed in each point of the membership's operations and is rightly held within the maximum regard by using all those that have collaborated with him."