Manchester City

Manuel Pellegrini confident of Eliaquim Mangala improvement

By Shane Callaghan, Reporter | 29 October 2014

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini says that Eliaquim Mangala will follow in the footsteps of Martin Demichelis and prove his mettle in the Premier League eventually.

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has leapt to the defence of under-fire defender Eliaquim Mangala and believes that he will eventually silence his critics.

The 23-year-old has endured a troubled start to life in the Premier League since making a £32m move from Porto in the summer.

Mangala came in for criticism after Saturday's 2-1 defeat to West Ham United, with Hammers boss Sam Allardyce claiming that he identified him as the chink in the armour.

The situation evokes memories of Martin Demichelis for Pellegrini, who staunchly defended him after the Argentine also endured a much-scrutinised introduction to English football.

"The same thing happened with Martin Demichelis last year. Remember all the criticism for him after he just arrived in the Premier League," the Chilean told the Daily Mail.

"I think Eliaquim Mangala is a young player and he has a lot of experience. I am sure we bought the centre-back that we need in him."

City, who sit six points adrift of Premier League leaders Chelsea, host bitter rivals Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.