Pellegrini ready for first game with City

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini is ramping up preparations ahead of his first game in charge against Super Sport United on Sunday.

City’s tour of South Africa begins on Sunday against the Premier Soccer League club in Port Elizabeth.

Already Pellegrini has been forced to deny speculation regarding one his many stars, with rumours spreading Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko wants out of the Etihad.

“I spoke two weeks ago with Dzeko when he was on holiday and he does not have any problems,” Pellegrini said.

“He will stay here. For me, he’s a very important player. I’m sure that he will give this year the performances to show what he can do.”

Pellegrini also confirmed ‘two or three’ more signings might be making their way to Eastlands, ahead of the Premier League season opening in August.

The former Real Madrid and Malaga boss has also revealed he has his all-star squad on a fierce fitness regime.

“The most important thing at the moment is the fitness and they’re working very hard with Jose,” he said.

“In terms of football, they’re just playing small games of six or seven-a-side with one touch, but nothing more.

“I’ve not had a problem with them. It’s logical that at the beginning they ask a lot of different things. They’ve worked very hard with us and they’re comfortable with each other.”