Manuel Pellegrini has no issues with Wilfied Bony stating his disappointment at being dropped for Monday’s loss to Arsenal, per the Express.
The Ivorian striker had claimed that Sergio Aguero, who started in his place against Arsenal, was not fit enough to play the match.
Bony said:
I’m disappointed that I didn’t start but I’m not the coach. The coach does what he thinks is best for the team.
Despite the striker’s admission, Pellegrini appeared to dismiss any idea of it causing a problem between the two:
I think every player that doesn’t play is always disappointed but I’m sure Bony and all the players respect my decision. I talk always with all the players about different situations.
Pellegrini also rejected Bony’s claim that Aguero was unfit to start the match:
Sergio was ready to play. He needs minutes. He will not play maybe the 90 minutes for three or four games. He must train hard but he was ready to play.
Bony replaced Aguero for the final half an hour against Arsenal and City were more dangerous after his introduction, but whether that was more down to Bony himself or the players around him is up for discussion.
Pellegrini’s decision was probably justified though, given that Bony has been less than spectacular in Aguero’s absence. The former Swansea striker has scored just three league goals in 14 appearances this season.
Aguero has managed seven goals despite missing a large amount of games through injury. The Argentine has also played just 35 more minutes of action than Bony in total.
The sooner Aguero is back to his best, the sooner City can start to find their best form once again.
