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Man City trip to Abu Dhabi OFF admits Pellegrini as Rovers replay scuppers friendly plans
MANUEL PELLEGRINI has revealed Manchester City have had to shelve plans for a warm-weather January trip to Abu Dhabi after Blackburn Rovers earned an FA Cup replay at the Etihad.
Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed Manchester City's January trip to Abu Dhabi will be cancelled
City's 1-1 draw with Blackburn at Ewood Park means the Premier League outfit will have to take on Rovers again this month.
And Pellegrini admitted the extra fixture has forced City to abandon plans to play a friendly against Al Ain FC on January 14 and combine the trip with a week's warm-weather training.
"We were going to be travelling to Abu Dhabi and having a friendly match there, now we are going to play against Blackburn Rovers at home," he said.
Manue Pellegrini City Blackburn
We were going to be travelling to Abu Dhabi and having a friendly match there, now we are going to play against Blackburn Rovers at home
"What is better? It is impossible to know.
"It (the replay) is not an extra problem. We have to play another match and have the squad to do it but we will continue making the rotation, that is better for the squad."
The fixture had been publicised in the United Arab Emirates but City had not confirmed the plans - and have now been forced into a change of schedule.
Gary Bowyer Blackburn City
Meanwhile, Blackburn boss Gary Bowyer lavished praise on his side for forcing a replay against a "world class" City side.
"It was an absolutely phenomenal effort from our lads playing against a world-class team and they restored some pride in the club today," Bowyer said.
"We always knew it was going to be a very difficult challenge but the spirit that they have and the character they are developing because it's a young squad that is improving but you could see the unity they have together.
"That has been important for us throughout the season. I have nothing but pride and praise for them."
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