Pellegrini: Don’t write us off!

Manuel Pellegrini admits Malaga's Champions League draw is difficult, but believes his side can reach the knockout stage.

The 58-year-old Coach was cautious when discussing a group that contains AC Milan, Anderlecht and Zenit St. Petersburg, and also dismissed those that believe the Russian Premier League side – who Los Boquerones meet tomorrow night – are a one-man team.

“If you think that Zenit are just Hulk, then you are very wrong,” he told a press conference today.

Russian champions Zenit recently signed Brazlilian striker Hulk from Porto for a whopping €40m.

“There are three teams other than ourselves in this group that we need to be careful of,” Pellegrini continued.

“We cannot take anything for granted, even against a team like Anderlecht. If you start to think that there are easy teams in the group, then that is the worse mistake you can make.

“Nobody bet on Villarreal when we reached the semi-finals in 2006!”

Pellegrini was in charge of now relegated Villarreal when they reached the cusp of the Champions League final in 2006, losing to Arsenal in the semis.

The Chilean tactician concluded by praising the fans,and the atmosphere surrounding the finanically troubled club.

“The euphoria amongst the fans is fair, considering we are playing in the Champions League for the first time, but the squad are extremely excited by it.”
 

Tags Pellegrini Zenit
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