Manuel Pellegrini Confident He Has Title-Winning Manchester City Squad

Having added four new players since his appointment as Manchester City manager, Manuel Pellegrini feels he has a squad capable of winning multiple trophies this season. Addressing the media at his press conference Friday afternoon, the Chilean spoke confidently about his side’s chances of winning silverware in his first season in charge of the club.

“We have a strong squad to try to win it all—FA Cup, Capital One Cup, Champions League and Premier League,” he said. “My target is that Manchester City must improve in all aspects. Last season, it was a pity that they didn’t win at least the FA Cup.”

City now have a wealth of options across all areas of the pitch after spending almost £90 million on Jesus Navas, Fernandinho, Stevan Jovetic and Alvaro Negredo, with many observers struggling to pick their best 11.

But Pellegrini has promised to pick players based on performance and not on reputation.

“My teams do not play by name, they play by performance," he said. "We always play the players who are giving the best performance and in the best moment.”

Pellegrini was pressed on whether the City job represents his toughest managerial task to date, but he was quick to point out the pressure he’s faced managing in Spain and Argentina, saying:

“I’m excited about my new job, but I don’t want to compare. To manage River Plate in Argentina is not easy. To manage Real Madrid in Spain is not easy.”

After a sluggish start last season which saw City draw three of their opening six matches, Pellegrini is keen to get off to a good start this time, starting with Newcastle at home.

“Now we have a new era with some new players,” Pellegrini said. “Of course, the new players and the manager and staff all need time to get to know each other, and I’m sure that we will improve as the season progresses—but we do not have that time. We have to hit the ground running and that starts against Newcastle.”

It’s not the easiest of opening fixtures for City, but it’s a game they’ll be expecting to win. Last season, they beat Southampton at home in their first match, but it was a shaky performance which set the tone for a poor season.

Pellegrini exudes a confidence which suggests City won't be as sluggish this time around.

All quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.

Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and will be following the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2013-14 season. Follow him on Twitter here @TypicalCity