Manchester City boss Pellegrini hits back at Yaya Toure criticism

The 31-year-old was subdued during City’s defeat to Bayern Munich on Wednesday but the Chilean insists “all the responsibility” should not fall on the midfielder


Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has hit back at criticism of Yaya Toure by insisting that his side’s performances are not solely influenced by the midfielder.

The 31-year-old was subdued during City’s 1-0 defeat at Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday, while former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes believes Toure’s lack of defensive contribution has become a “major problem” for the Premier League champions .

“It is not fair for me to criticise what Yaya did in the last game. That is my way of thinking,” said Pellegrini.

“Normally, when we win or lose, it is because all the team played well or badly. Everyone knows which are the best performances of the players and we are trying to reach that level of performance for all of them as a team.

“I don’t agree that Yaya has [to shoulder] all the responsibility about the game we played. Yaya always has commitment with the team, the squad and with his team-mates. He does not have a problem.”

Pellegrini also confirmed that Frank Lampard is in contention to face Chelsea on Sunday.

“Frank is part of our squad and tomorrow I will give the squad list for the game,” said the Chilean.

“I am sure he will be involved in that. Frank didn’t continue at Chelsea because Chelsea didn’t want him.

“He couldn’t continue playing for the team he played for all his life, but he has a right to carry on playing football and we are happy to have him.”

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