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Derby County 1 Vs 3 Manchester United
Derby County Goal(s)
George Thorne 37'
&
Manchester United Goal(s)
Wayne Rooney 16'
Daley Blind 65'
Juan Mata 83'
Derby County Goal(s)
George Thorne 37'
&
Manchester United Goal(s)
Wayne Rooney 16'
Daley Blind 65'
Juan Mata 83'
Pellegrini rules out January signings despite De Bruyne injury
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has ruled out the possibility of making any January signings, despite Kevin De Bruyne's long-term injury.
De Bruyne will miss eight to 10 weeks of action with ankle and knee injuries that he sustained when falling awkwardly in the latter stages of City's League Cup semi-final victory over Everton on Wednesday.
With Samir Nasri still several weeks away from returning to the first team, Pellegrini's attacking options will be limited for a crucial period of the season in all four competitions, but he insists the squad is strong enough without making any late moves in the transfer market.
"It’s not our intention to bring in anyone," he told reporters, "we have this squad, the squad is doing very well so far.
"In some moments we didn’t play with [David] Silva or [Sergio] Aguero, now we will play without Kevin, but I am sure that we will still be a competitive team."
Pellegrini also admitted that the club realised De Bruyne had sustained a serious injury after the match, despite the player's own optimism, and he says he is grateful the former Wolfsburg man will not be out for the whole season.
"We knew after the game it was a serious injury, not out for the whole season because it’s not his cruciate ligament. We hope he can return before but the first diagnosis is he must be out for 8-10 weeks.
"Of course it’s very important for the club not to play with Kevin but we have very important players who cannot play the whole season for different reasons – Silva, Aguero and Vincent Kompany.
"We must continue playing with the whole squad if we want to be a competitive team.
"We are an important player less but we must continue with optimism and the same responsibility from the rest of the squad."
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has ruled out the possibility of making any January signings, despite Kevin De Bruyne's long-term injury.
De Bruyne will miss eight to 10 weeks of action with ankle and knee injuries that he sustained when falling awkwardly in the latter stages of City's League Cup semi-final victory over Everton on Wednesday.
With Samir Nasri still several weeks away from returning to the first team, Pellegrini's attacking options will be limited for a crucial period of the season in all four competitions, but he insists the squad is strong enough without making any late moves in the transfer market.
"It’s not our intention to bring in anyone," he told reporters, "we have this squad, the squad is doing very well so far.
"In some moments we didn’t play with [David] Silva or [Sergio] Aguero, now we will play without Kevin, but I am sure that we will still be a competitive team."
Pellegrini also admitted that the club realised De Bruyne had sustained a serious injury after the match, despite the player's own optimism, and he says he is grateful the former Wolfsburg man will not be out for the whole season.
"We knew after the game it was a serious injury, not out for the whole season because it’s not his cruciate ligament. We hope he can return before but the first diagnosis is he must be out for 8-10 weeks.
"Of course it’s very important for the club not to play with Kevin but we have very important players who cannot play the whole season for different reasons – Silva, Aguero and Vincent Kompany.
"We must continue playing with the whole squad if we want to be a competitive team.
"We are an important player less but we must continue with optimism and the same responsibility from the rest of the squad."
Griezmann responds to PSG links
Atletico Madrid attacker Antoine Griezmann is flattered to be linked with Paris Saint-Germain, but has played down talk of him leaving Spain for the Ligue 1 champions.
The France international has been in superb form for Atletico this campaign, scoring 19 goals in 30 appearances in all competitions, and his fine performances have not gone unnoticed elsewhere.
Aside from PSG, Chelsea are also believed to be keeping an eye on his development, but the 24-year-old is in no rush to move on.
"PSG? There are a lot of clubs I like, but ones I do not see myself playing for," Griezmann told L'Equipe .
"I am here at Atletico and enjoying La Liga. But what I can say is that if a club like Paris Saint-Germain are keeping tabs on you, that is proof that you are doing well.
"I think Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are the absolute top. After that, you have PSG."Atletico are not far away either. We will see who are the best.
"I do not have a plan for the future. When I started out at Real Sociedad, my goal was to break into the first team and play 10 or 15 minutes. After that, it was to put in a strong performance, and then two.
"When I first joined Atletico, I was not always playing and it was complicated. But I knew I could become an important player and worked hard."And I am not done yet. I know that I can still get better."
Atletico Madrid attacker Antoine Griezmann is flattered to be linked with Paris Saint-Germain, but has played down talk of him leaving Spain for the Ligue 1 champions.
The France international has been in superb form for Atletico this campaign, scoring 19 goals in 30 appearances in all competitions, and his fine performances have not gone unnoticed elsewhere.
Aside from PSG, Chelsea are also believed to be keeping an eye on his development, but the 24-year-old is in no rush to move on.
"PSG? There are a lot of clubs I like, but ones I do not see myself playing for," Griezmann told L'Equipe .
"I am here at Atletico and enjoying La Liga. But what I can say is that if a club like Paris Saint-Germain are keeping tabs on you, that is proof that you are doing well.
"I think Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are the absolute top. After that, you have PSG."Atletico are not far away either. We will see who are the best.
"I do not have a plan for the future. When I started out at Real Sociedad, my goal was to break into the first team and play 10 or 15 minutes. After that, it was to put in a strong performance, and then two.
"When I first joined Atletico, I was not always playing and it was complicated. But I knew I could become an important player and worked hard."And I am not done yet. I know that I can still get better."
Guardiola denies Bayern mutiny: My relationship with the players is better than ever
Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola has denied suggestions that the relationship with his players has turned sour following his decision not to renew his contract with the Bundesliga leaders.
Recent reports from Germany suggested a number of key players have had enough of Guardiola's strict approach and that the atmosphere in the dressing room has reached an all-time low in recent weeks, with one of the players allegedly leaking internal communication to the press.
Nevertheless, Guardiola has laughed off such claims and is adamant there are no problems between him and his players."My relationship with the players is better than ever before," Guardiola said at a news conference.
"Whenever I say something, it's in the papers the days after. I experienced something similar in my first year and in my second year as well, while it also happened in July.
"I am not too worried about it. I tried to fight it in my first year, but that doesn't lead to anything. I always want the best for my players with everything I do."
Guardiola reportedly admonished two players in front of the entire squad over a perceived lack of professionalism and weight problems, while the players allegedly also received an e-mail asking them to formally check in on their days off.
"I have read about the alleged lack of professionalism," the coach added."Over the past two seasons, some players returned to the club two to three kilograms overweight.
"But we trained really well this winter in Qatar. It's only normal to check your players' weight. Coaches across the world do the same. The names of the players with weight issues? We will keep that to ourselves.
"There is absolutely no problem with that e-mail. We get a lot of e-mails from the team manager.
"This is to make sure the players don't drive to Berlin for example when they have just one day off. I don't see a problem here."Meanwhile, chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has insisted Guardiola still has the club's full backing irrespective of his imminent exit and alleged unrest in the dressing room.
"Guardiola will have the full support of everybody at Bayern right until his final day at the club," Rummenigge added."Everybody who has been writing lame duck stories should bear that in mind."
Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola has denied suggestions that the relationship with his players has turned sour following his decision not to renew his contract with the Bundesliga leaders.
Recent reports from Germany suggested a number of key players have had enough of Guardiola's strict approach and that the atmosphere in the dressing room has reached an all-time low in recent weeks, with one of the players allegedly leaking internal communication to the press.
Nevertheless, Guardiola has laughed off such claims and is adamant there are no problems between him and his players."My relationship with the players is better than ever before," Guardiola said at a news conference.
"Whenever I say something, it's in the papers the days after. I experienced something similar in my first year and in my second year as well, while it also happened in July.
"I am not too worried about it. I tried to fight it in my first year, but that doesn't lead to anything. I always want the best for my players with everything I do."
Guardiola reportedly admonished two players in front of the entire squad over a perceived lack of professionalism and weight problems, while the players allegedly also received an e-mail asking them to formally check in on their days off.
"I have read about the alleged lack of professionalism," the coach added."Over the past two seasons, some players returned to the club two to three kilograms overweight.
"But we trained really well this winter in Qatar. It's only normal to check your players' weight. Coaches across the world do the same. The names of the players with weight issues? We will keep that to ourselves.
"There is absolutely no problem with that e-mail. We get a lot of e-mails from the team manager.
"This is to make sure the players don't drive to Berlin for example when they have just one day off. I don't see a problem here."Meanwhile, chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has insisted Guardiola still has the club's full backing irrespective of his imminent exit and alleged unrest in the dressing room.
"Guardiola will have the full support of everybody at Bayern right until his final day at the club," Rummenigge added."Everybody who has been writing lame duck stories should bear that in mind."
Klopp open to deadline day transfers at Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp has not ruled out late transfer business for Liverpool, but maintains he is happy with his squad.
The Reds have been engaged in talks with Shakhtar Donetsk over signing Alex Teixeira, but negotiations have proved difficult. The Brazilian has stated his desire to move to Merseyside in this window, but that has done little to progress a deal.
On Friday, the Ukrainian side’s CEO Sergiy Palkin told Ukrainian TV: “Our position is that we do not want to sell Teixeira today. We will sell him only at the end of the season.
“We need to have some good results in the Europa League and the Ukraine championship. At the end of the season we will sit down at the negotiating table.
“Teixeira has a compensation charge in his contract – the price is €70m (£53m). Please, if someone wants him – let them come and declare themselves.”
Palkin confirmed that Liverpool had made just one official bid of “€32m (£24m) and a €4m (£3m) bonus.” Shakhtar’s original valuation, which the clubs were discussing a compromise over was £38m.
Klopp maintained that Liverpool are still assessing their options in the market and will do business if it makes sense for the club. “We are always busy, we are always at work, we always check the possibilities and that’s what we did since I’m here,” he explained at Melwood.
“And now it’s close to the end of the window, and if something happens, we will see. There’s nothing to say in this moment. If we were close to something, anything I could say now would disturb this and if not, it’s the same situation. “You have to wait, like I have to wait maybe. I’ve got no problem with this. I’m fine with the squad as everyone can see.
“The squad was never a problem - not for one second - it’s always been about injuries and the number of games, which doesn’t fit too good. That’s the reason why of course we thought about a few things, but only if it makes sense for us.”
Jurgen Klopp has not ruled out late transfer business for Liverpool, but maintains he is happy with his squad.
The Reds have been engaged in talks with Shakhtar Donetsk over signing Alex Teixeira, but negotiations have proved difficult. The Brazilian has stated his desire to move to Merseyside in this window, but that has done little to progress a deal.
On Friday, the Ukrainian side’s CEO Sergiy Palkin told Ukrainian TV: “Our position is that we do not want to sell Teixeira today. We will sell him only at the end of the season.
“We need to have some good results in the Europa League and the Ukraine championship. At the end of the season we will sit down at the negotiating table.
“Teixeira has a compensation charge in his contract – the price is €70m (£53m). Please, if someone wants him – let them come and declare themselves.”
Palkin confirmed that Liverpool had made just one official bid of “€32m (£24m) and a €4m (£3m) bonus.” Shakhtar’s original valuation, which the clubs were discussing a compromise over was £38m.
Klopp maintained that Liverpool are still assessing their options in the market and will do business if it makes sense for the club. “We are always busy, we are always at work, we always check the possibilities and that’s what we did since I’m here,” he explained at Melwood.
“And now it’s close to the end of the window, and if something happens, we will see. There’s nothing to say in this moment. If we were close to something, anything I could say now would disturb this and if not, it’s the same situation. “You have to wait, like I have to wait maybe. I’ve got no problem with this. I’m fine with the squad as everyone can see.
“The squad was never a problem - not for one second - it’s always been about injuries and the number of games, which doesn’t fit too good. That’s the reason why of course we thought about a few things, but only if it makes sense for us.”
Wenger opens up on Arsenal future
Arsene Wenger has made it clear that he is not open to managing another club when he leaves Arsenal, but is keen to remain active in the game in another role.
The Frenchman has been in charge or Arsenal since September 1996 and he is determined to end his reign on a high before moving into another role.
Wenger's deal expires at the end of next season - which will be his 21st in charge of Arsenal.
"There's 18 months left on my current contract, that's an eternity in football. I'm committed to this club and completely focused on doing well," he said at a news conference.
"I want to give absolutely everything until the end of the season. Then I want to go through the next season.
"I don't see myself managing another club. Not really, no. I completely commit to this club and I don't imagine managing anywhere else at the moment.
"Will I stop working once I stop managing on a competitive level? No. I will always try to work if I have hands and try to be useful at some stage and some level. Maybe it will be a different level but I will always work.
"I don't know whether that will be as a director of football. I could be managing kids, developing young players, it can be all kinds of roles.
"But I will not run for FIFA, you can count on that!"
Arsene Wenger has made it clear that he is not open to managing another club when he leaves Arsenal, but is keen to remain active in the game in another role.
The Frenchman has been in charge or Arsenal since September 1996 and he is determined to end his reign on a high before moving into another role.
Wenger's deal expires at the end of next season - which will be his 21st in charge of Arsenal.
"There's 18 months left on my current contract, that's an eternity in football. I'm committed to this club and completely focused on doing well," he said at a news conference.
"I want to give absolutely everything until the end of the season. Then I want to go through the next season.
"I don't see myself managing another club. Not really, no. I completely commit to this club and I don't imagine managing anywhere else at the moment.
"Will I stop working once I stop managing on a competitive level? No. I will always try to work if I have hands and try to be useful at some stage and some level. Maybe it will be a different level but I will always work.
"I don't know whether that will be as a director of football. I could be managing kids, developing young players, it can be all kinds of roles.
"But I will not run for FIFA, you can count on that!"
Atletico & Real Madrid transfer bans suspended
Fifa's appeals committee has temporarily suspended Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid's transfer bans with immediate effect.
The two clubs had been sanctioned for failing to comply with regulations on signing young players, with the ban on registering new transfers set to begin at the end of the January window.
It will now be lifted, however, pending the outcome of the decision of both sides to appeal the ruling and punishment.
Atletico maintain that they acted within the law in all cases with which Fifa have raised grievances and announced their intention to appeal on Monday.
"We consider that we have acted within the law in all cases," a statement read.
"In addition, we request the probationary suspension of the sanction pending the outcome of the appeal."
Real have also declared that they will fight the charges since they were handed out on January 14.
Fifa's appeals committee has temporarily suspended Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid's transfer bans with immediate effect.
The two clubs had been sanctioned for failing to comply with regulations on signing young players, with the ban on registering new transfers set to begin at the end of the January window.
It will now be lifted, however, pending the outcome of the decision of both sides to appeal the ruling and punishment.
Atletico maintain that they acted within the law in all cases with which Fifa have raised grievances and announced their intention to appeal on Monday.
"We consider that we have acted within the law in all cases," a statement read.
"In addition, we request the probationary suspension of the sanction pending the outcome of the appeal."
Real have also declared that they will fight the charges since they were handed out on January 14.
OFFICIAL: Chelsea sign Pato on loan
Chelsea have confirmed the arrival of Corinthians forward Alexandre Pato on loan.
After weeks of speculation, the Brazilian, who burst on to the scene with AC Milan in Serie A, has put pen to paper on a loan deal that will see him stay at the club until the end of the 2015-16 season.
In a statement released on the club's official website, the forward spoke of his delight that the move had been completed and promised to repay the Blues' fans' faith.
"I am so happy to sign for Chelsea," Pato said. "It is a dream for me. I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know my new team-mates and cannot wait to play. "I thank Chelsea for their support and hope I can repay this faith to the club and its fans."
He added in a post on Instagram: "I never gave up on my dream of coming back to play in Europe and now Chelsea is helping me to make this dream come true.
"Thanks a lot for all the support of my family, Chelsea team and the fans !!! Today's is a happy day!"
Pato, now 26, joined Milan in 2007, but failed to fulfill his early promise and eventually returned to Brazil, signing for Corinthians in 2013.
However, it was during a loan spell at Sao Paulo last year that he began to show glimpses of his best form again.
He's been capped 27 times by his country, scoring 10 goals in the process and will be keen to win back a place in the Brazil squad during his time at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have confirmed the arrival of Corinthians forward Alexandre Pato on loan.
After weeks of speculation, the Brazilian, who burst on to the scene with AC Milan in Serie A, has put pen to paper on a loan deal that will see him stay at the club until the end of the 2015-16 season.
In a statement released on the club's official website, the forward spoke of his delight that the move had been completed and promised to repay the Blues' fans' faith.
"I am so happy to sign for Chelsea," Pato said. "It is a dream for me. I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know my new team-mates and cannot wait to play. "I thank Chelsea for their support and hope I can repay this faith to the club and its fans."
He added in a post on Instagram: "I never gave up on my dream of coming back to play in Europe and now Chelsea is helping me to make this dream come true.
"Thanks a lot for all the support of my family, Chelsea team and the fans !!! Today's is a happy day!"
Pato, now 26, joined Milan in 2007, but failed to fulfill his early promise and eventually returned to Brazil, signing for Corinthians in 2013.
However, it was during a loan spell at Sao Paulo last year that he began to show glimpses of his best form again.
He's been capped 27 times by his country, scoring 10 goals in the process and will be keen to win back a place in the Brazil squad during his time at Stamford Bridge.
Derby County 1-3 Manchester United: Martial shines in comfortable victory
Manchester United eased the pressure on manager Louis van Gaal by securing a comfortable 3-1 victory over Derby County in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Wayne Rooney put the Red Devils in front with a sublime curling effort after 16 minutes, though the England captain appeared to receive the ball in an offside position.
United were pegged back when George Thorne converted Chris Martin's superb hooked pass but centre-back Daley Blind found himself in the opposition area to restore the one-goal lead.
And Juan Mata completed the scoring late on by firing in after good work from the excellent Anthony Martial.
Van Gaal angrily denied reports he had offered to resign following defeat to Southampton last time out and this victory should buy him time as he looks to turn United's season around.
The Dutchman made two changes to his team, with Guillermo Varela replacing the injured Matteo Darmian and Mata coming in for Ander Herrera, who was on the bench.
Martial threatened from the off but failed to find the target from an excellent position after a good move involving Rooney and Marouane Fellaini before Rooney put United ahead.
After exchanging passes with Martial to the left of the penalty area, Rooney ignored claims of offside and curled a wonderful dipping effort past Scott Carson and into the far corner.
David de Gea was equal to Nick Blackman's back-post header as the hosts looked for a swift response, but the Spain goalkeeper was unable to prevent the Rams's 37th-minute equaliser.
A clever pass from Martin sent Thorne clear through the middle of United's defence and the midfielder needed only one touch to control before beating De Gea with a left-footed strike.
Blackman then cut inside and lashed an effort just wide as Derby went into the half-time break with the momentum.
Another Blackman shot just missed the target at the start of the second half before Mata's close-range diving header from a deflected Jesse Lingard cross flew narrowly wide.
With 65 minutes on the clock, United moved back in front. A good passing move led to another Lingard delivery from the right and Blind, finding himself in unfamiliar territory, finished with an impressive first-time shot.
The win was sealed with seven minutes remaining when Martial, a persistent threat down the left, found Mata after a good run and cut-back and the Spain playmaker shot into the bottom corner for his first goal in 15 games.
Only one Premier League defender tops Vidic's clean sheet record at Manchester United
Nemanja Vidic has called time on his career and will go down as one of the best centre-backs the Premier League has ever seen.
The 34-year-old won five Premier League titles duing his nine seasons with Manchester United, while he also lifted the Champions League trophy, as well as the FA Cup on five separate occasions.
Vidic also formed one of the greatest centre-back partnerships in the Premier League era alongside Rio Ferdinand.
But while the 34-year-old's clean sheet is impressive, it has been narrowly beaten by former Arsenal defender Tony Adams.
Note that this record is made up of all Premier League defenders who have played over 200 games...
His warrior attitude and thirst for hard work summed up the club at that time. He was always throwing himself in where it hurt and bouncing straight back up, however bloodied and bruised. If a tackle needed winning he would be there, and if the ball ran loose as a result of the first challenge he would be the first man on the scene for the second one.
One of the factors that undoubtedly worked against David Moyes in his curtailed spell in charge at Old Trafford was Vidic’s slow decline as the years and his significant workload finally began to take their toll. When he announced his departure in early 2014 it was considered almost as much an ‘end of an era’ moment as when Sir Alex had stepped aside eight months earlier.
Since his departure Louis van Gaal has struggled to find the kind of leadership that Vidic was able to bring to the United dressing room. While Wayne Rooney has his own style, screaming in the Anfield dressing room to gain a response from his team-mates is not something the Serb would have done himself. Vidic was respected without making a show of himself, unlike many of the players currently disappointing supporters on a weekly basis at the Theatre of Dreams.
Pato: Chelsea are making my dream come true
Alexandre Pato has thanked Chelsea for making his dream of a move back to Europe come true.
The Blues confirmed the loan signing of the Brazilian from Corinthians on Friday, with the former AC Milan forward tied down until the end of the 2015-16 season.
And following the announcement, Pato took to social media to reveal his delight at moving back to the Premier League, suggesting that moving back to Europe was always part of his plans.
With a post on his Instagram page, the Brazilian striker thanked his family, Chelsea and the club's fans for making the deal happen, indicating that he is "really happy" with the move.
Today I'm really happy to become a player of this huge and special club!," the post read.
"I never gave up on my dream of coming back to play in Europe and now Chelsea is helping me to make this dream come true.
"Thanks a lot for all the support of my family, Chelsea team and the fans !!! Today's is a happy day!"
Alexandre Pato has thanked Chelsea for making his dream of a move back to Europe come true.
The Blues confirmed the loan signing of the Brazilian from Corinthians on Friday, with the former AC Milan forward tied down until the end of the 2015-16 season.
And following the announcement, Pato took to social media to reveal his delight at moving back to the Premier League, suggesting that moving back to Europe was always part of his plans.
With a post on his Instagram page, the Brazilian striker thanked his family, Chelsea and the club's fans for making the deal happen, indicating that he is "really happy" with the move.
Today I'm really happy to become a player of this huge and special club!," the post read.
"I never gave up on my dream of coming back to play in Europe and now Chelsea is helping me to make this dream come true.
"Thanks a lot for all the support of my family, Chelsea team and the fans !!! Today's is a happy day!"
Man City players aware of Guardiola rumours - Caballero
Manchester City goalkeeper Willy Caballero says he and his team-mates are aware of the constant rumours linking the club with a move for Pep Guardiola.
Goal understands Bayern Munich coach Guardiola will indeed replace Manuel Pellegrini at the Etihad Stadium this summer.
But while Caballero says the stories have penetrated the City dressing room, he insists the pressure of playing for a big club makes everything else irrelevant.
"We are listening to all the rumours, but in a big team like this it’s normal," he told reporters. "For all the players every season the pressure is so high, I think we are doing our best every game, the rumours don’t matter.
"It’s not easy to talk about Guardiola because he’s not here, but if [Pellegrini] stays here all the players, for sure, will wish to stay with Manuel, every game."
Caballero helped City reach the League Cup final on Wednesday as the Blues came from behind to beat Everton on a night when the Etihad Stadium welcomed a raucous crowd of over 50,000.
The club had been criticised for enlisting players to help sell tickets in the build-up to the clash, but the Argentine keeper says City's progression to the Wembley final owes an awful lot to the atmosphere generated by the fans in attendance.
"I think [it had] so much, so much importance. We talked before on social media about this. We heard all the fans together from the first minute and it was really important for us to win this game."
The former Malaga shot-stopper is expected to keep his place in goal for Saturday's FA Cup clash against Aston Villa, and he says he will be completely focused on helping the team advance in yet another competition.
"Maybe if the boss decides that I have to play, I’ll be ready," he added. "It’s important for me, every match in the Capital One or FA Cup. I have to be ready, and maybe if the boss needs me for the Premier League [too].
"We need to win the next game and of course we need to win everything this year, but the most important thing is that we are in the first final and now we must think about the next game."
Manchester City goalkeeper Willy Caballero says he and his team-mates are aware of the constant rumours linking the club with a move for Pep Guardiola.
Goal understands Bayern Munich coach Guardiola will indeed replace Manuel Pellegrini at the Etihad Stadium this summer.
But while Caballero says the stories have penetrated the City dressing room, he insists the pressure of playing for a big club makes everything else irrelevant.
"We are listening to all the rumours, but in a big team like this it’s normal," he told reporters. "For all the players every season the pressure is so high, I think we are doing our best every game, the rumours don’t matter.
"It’s not easy to talk about Guardiola because he’s not here, but if [Pellegrini] stays here all the players, for sure, will wish to stay with Manuel, every game."
Caballero helped City reach the League Cup final on Wednesday as the Blues came from behind to beat Everton on a night when the Etihad Stadium welcomed a raucous crowd of over 50,000.
The club had been criticised for enlisting players to help sell tickets in the build-up to the clash, but the Argentine keeper says City's progression to the Wembley final owes an awful lot to the atmosphere generated by the fans in attendance.
"I think [it had] so much, so much importance. We talked before on social media about this. We heard all the fans together from the first minute and it was really important for us to win this game."
The former Malaga shot-stopper is expected to keep his place in goal for Saturday's FA Cup clash against Aston Villa, and he says he will be completely focused on helping the team advance in yet another competition.
"Maybe if the boss decides that I have to play, I’ll be ready," he added. "It’s important for me, every match in the Capital One or FA Cup. I have to be ready, and maybe if the boss needs me for the Premier League [too].
"We need to win the next game and of course we need to win everything this year, but the most important thing is that we are in the first final and now we must think about the next game."
Manchester United cannot think of Wembley yet - Mata
Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata insists he is not allowing dreams of Wembley to enter his mind after scoring in the 3-1 FA Cup win over Derby County on Friday.
Wayne Rooney and Daley Blind also scored either side of George Thorne's equaliser as the visitors moved into the fifth round and eased the immediate pressure on manager Louis van Gaal.
But Mata, who scored for the first time in 15 matches, urged his team-mates not to start thinking ahead even though United have not won the competition since 2004.
Asked about the away fans singing of Wembley, the 27-year-old told BBC Sport: "We are just thinking step by step.
"I know it has been a few years since the last time Manchester United has won it, but I think we have to focus on each round. Here we did our job and we are looking forward to the next game.
"It was really important for us. It is not easy to come here to Derby. Even though they are not in the Premier League they are a good team, they press, they are physically very strong and I think we did a good job.
"We came here to play football, we played much quicker than in the last games and I think that scoring three goals and having even more chances to score was, at the end of the day, a very good performance."
Blind was also impressed with United's display and revealed what drove him to be in the penalty area to score the crucial second goal despite playing at centre-back.
He said: "I passed the ball to Juan and thought I am this close to the goal now, I will make a move forward.
"When I was in the box I was just thinking maybe I should go to the first post where the striker normally [is] and Jesse [Lingard] gave the perfect ball and I touched it once, it was a good goal."The Netherlands international was reluctant to discuss what the victory meant for under-fire Van Gaal.
"We just came over here to focus on this important game and we did what we needed to do – winning and going to the next round," he said.
Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata insists he is not allowing dreams of Wembley to enter his mind after scoring in the 3-1 FA Cup win over Derby County on Friday.
Wayne Rooney and Daley Blind also scored either side of George Thorne's equaliser as the visitors moved into the fifth round and eased the immediate pressure on manager Louis van Gaal.
But Mata, who scored for the first time in 15 matches, urged his team-mates not to start thinking ahead even though United have not won the competition since 2004.
Asked about the away fans singing of Wembley, the 27-year-old told BBC Sport: "We are just thinking step by step.
"I know it has been a few years since the last time Manchester United has won it, but I think we have to focus on each round. Here we did our job and we are looking forward to the next game.
"It was really important for us. It is not easy to come here to Derby. Even though they are not in the Premier League they are a good team, they press, they are physically very strong and I think we did a good job.
"We came here to play football, we played much quicker than in the last games and I think that scoring three goals and having even more chances to score was, at the end of the day, a very good performance."
Blind was also impressed with United's display and revealed what drove him to be in the penalty area to score the crucial second goal despite playing at centre-back.
He said: "I passed the ball to Juan and thought I am this close to the goal now, I will make a move forward.
"When I was in the box I was just thinking maybe I should go to the first post where the striker normally [is] and Jesse [Lingard] gave the perfect ball and I touched it once, it was a good goal."The Netherlands international was reluctant to discuss what the victory meant for under-fire Van Gaal.
"We just came over here to focus on this important game and we did what we needed to do – winning and going to the next round," he said.
FA Cup Fixtures 2016.01.30
FA Cup Fixtures 2016.01.30
Colcherster Vs Tottenham
Arsenal Vs Burnley
Aston Villa Vs Manchester City
Bolton Vs Leeds
Bury Vs Hull
Crystal Palace Vs Stoke City
Nottingham Vs Watford
Oxford Vs Blackburn
Portsmouth Vs Bournemouth
Reading Vs Walsall
Shrewsbury Vs Sheffield
WBA Vs Pertersburg
Liverpool Vs West Ham
Colcherster Vs Tottenham
Arsenal Vs Burnley
Aston Villa Vs Manchester City
Bolton Vs Leeds
Bury Vs Hull
Crystal Palace Vs Stoke City
Nottingham Vs Watford
Oxford Vs Blackburn
Portsmouth Vs Bournemouth
Reading Vs Walsall
Shrewsbury Vs Sheffield
WBA Vs Pertersburg
Liverpool Vs West Ham
LA Liga Fixtures 2016.01.30
LA Liga Fixtures 2016.01.30
Barcelona Vs Atletico Madrid
Eibar Vs Malaga
Getafe Vs Athletic Bilbao
Villareal Vs Granada
Real Soceidad Vs Real Betis
Barcelona Vs Atletico Madrid
Eibar Vs Malaga
Getafe Vs Athletic Bilbao
Villareal Vs Granada
Real Soceidad Vs Real Betis
Serie A Fixtures 2016.01.30
Serie A Fixtures 2016.01.30
Carpi Vs Palermo
Atalanta Vs Sassuolo
Roma Vs Frosinone
Carpi Vs Palermo
Atalanta Vs Sassuolo
Roma Vs Frosinone
Van Gaal: Fantastic Martial will be a Man Utd great
Louis van Gaal has hailed Anthony Martial's performance in Friday's 3-1 FA Cup win over Derby County, insisting the striker will be "great" for Manchester United.
The French attacker set up goals for Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata in a routine away win to ensure the Red Devils progress to the fifth round of the tournament.
And while Van Gaal admitted Martial had a poor opening period to the game, he was left impressed by the 20-year-old's effectiveness.
“He started not so good, I think, but I said that to him and after the first 20 minutes he came into the match and he was fabulous," the Dutchman said. "I am very happy that he is a Manchester United player because I think he shall be a great player for Manchester United for a long time.”
The coach was pleased with his side's display, though he feels Derby made it easier for them by pushing upfield.
"I have to say Derby County in the second half were pressing forward more," he added."When we beat that pressure then there was more space and that was also the reason why we scored two goals.
"We have won every game in 2016 except the game against Southampton and that was because of the lack of confidence. We played at home and the fans were supporting us, so our performance was a little bit ridiculous.
"But that's how it was. Now the confidence is back, we dared to play again and in spite of the pressure of Derby County in the second half we met that pressure, we created chances and we scored fantastic goals, I have to say.
"The second and third were fantastic combinations and fantastic finishes as well."
Van Gaal has been under a lot of pressure in recent months, with reports stating he is close to being sacked, though he maintains his future was never going to be decided by the Derby clash.
"It is not a question of one match," he added. "It is difficult to understand but it is a process. It is a period of three years. This board is very intelligent and understands that. It is not a question of one match.
Louis van Gaal has hailed Anthony Martial's performance in Friday's 3-1 FA Cup win over Derby County, insisting the striker will be "great" for Manchester United.
The French attacker set up goals for Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata in a routine away win to ensure the Red Devils progress to the fifth round of the tournament.
And while Van Gaal admitted Martial had a poor opening period to the game, he was left impressed by the 20-year-old's effectiveness.
“He started not so good, I think, but I said that to him and after the first 20 minutes he came into the match and he was fabulous," the Dutchman said. "I am very happy that he is a Manchester United player because I think he shall be a great player for Manchester United for a long time.”
The coach was pleased with his side's display, though he feels Derby made it easier for them by pushing upfield.
"I have to say Derby County in the second half were pressing forward more," he added."When we beat that pressure then there was more space and that was also the reason why we scored two goals.
"We have won every game in 2016 except the game against Southampton and that was because of the lack of confidence. We played at home and the fans were supporting us, so our performance was a little bit ridiculous.
"But that's how it was. Now the confidence is back, we dared to play again and in spite of the pressure of Derby County in the second half we met that pressure, we created chances and we scored fantastic goals, I have to say.
"The second and third were fantastic combinations and fantastic finishes as well."
Van Gaal has been under a lot of pressure in recent months, with reports stating he is close to being sacked, though he maintains his future was never going to be decided by the Derby clash.
"It is not a question of one match," he added. "It is difficult to understand but it is a process. It is a period of three years. This board is very intelligent and understands that. It is not a question of one match.
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