Statements by Pellegrini

"We were a strong team up at the front, and played the ball well.  Both teams were fairly similar during the first few minutes, until the keeper was sent off.  There was a lot of controversy from the visitors at the ref’s decision, but he did the right thing.  From then on in we completely dominated the match.  The team performed brilliantly for the entire 90 minutes.”

“I was very happy in the second half.  We weren’t concentrating on the score, and I think the team has matured somewhat in that respect.  The boys showed an intensive display, regardless of what the leader board showed.”

“I don’t think it’s just a winning streak.  Though we won’t gain 14 out of 18 points all year, the team performed amazingly well during the second half of last year which got us to the Champions League.  It’s the result of very hard work, though we’re very conscious of what we’re doing and what we’ve achieved so far.  We’re always focused on defeating the next opponent.”

“Of course I know what people have been saying about me.  I’m very grateful for everyone’s support, both from a personal point of view, and on behalf of the entire team.  I’m very proud of the boys as they’re all full of ambition and have matured a lot.”

“I’m always in talks with the owner; the project will of course continue, though I don’t know what level of investment will be allocated.  The most important thing we can do is work as hard as we can on the pitch and not think about January yet, as it’s only September.”