Manchester City boss Pellegrini bears no ill will for former club Real Madrid
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini said he doesn't harbor any resentment over his former club Real Madrid as the two teams prepare for battle in the Champions League semi-finals.
Pellegrini oversaw Real Madrid during its second Galacticos-era project, which saw president Florentino Perez return in 2009 with €200 million worth of superstars, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka. He was dismissed in 2010, however, with Jose Mourinho taking over at Madrid later that summer.
Still, Pellegrini left the Spanish capital in good standing.
"It was a pleasure to work there and I left behind friends and good wishes," he said, according to ESPN FC. "I know I still have the affection and respect of many people I worked with - employees and players, and also the fans who always supported me.
"I take responsibility for setbacks, but Madrid fired me already in August ... I do not hold a grudge against anybody."
Pellegrini's dismissal came after Real Madrid was eliminated from the Champions League by Lyon, lost in the third round of the Copa del Rey to third-tier Alcorcon, and conceded the La Liga title to Barcelona.
The gaffer, who's set to be replaced by Pep Guardiola at Manchester City next season, said his time at Real Madrid was ultimately hindered by the team's sweeping change of player personnel.
"There was never an open wound, so there is no shame or embarrassment," Pellegrini said. "Many things happened which I did not agree with. In preseason (Arjen) Robben and (Wesley) Sneijder were sold, and they were key players, who went on to win trophies in Munich and Italy."
In any case, a reunion at the Santiago Bernabeu awaits Pellegrini next week as his team hosts the first leg at the Etihad Stadium. Still, the Chilean tactician said there's "no extra personal motivation" in the clash.
"From a sporting point of view, I would prefer to face Real Madrid, as they let you play," Pellegrini explained. "They are always lethal and have some vulnerabilities because of that. But they are very competitive, and effective."