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Man City boss Manuel Pellegrini bullish over Champions League qualification chances
MANCHESTER CITY boss Manuel Pellegrini refused to concede that his side could not realistically qualify for the Champions League.
The Chilean boss saw his side relinquish a two-goal lead away to Russian giants CSKA Moscow, leaving City with just two-points from their opening three fixtures.
Despite their precarious position Pellegrini refused to allow negativity to consume his side, and confidently rebuffed any questions from Sky Sports' reporter.
When asked if the draw ended any hopes of reaching the last 16, he said: "Why? There are nine points to play for."
Why? There are nine points to play for
City looked to have ignited their Group E campaign as they claimed a commanding lead with well-worked goals from Sergio Aguero and James Milner at the Khimki Arena.
But CSKA - who officially had no support in a game played behind closed doors but actually appeared to have 200-300 chanting fans - hit back through Seydou Doumbia and a contentious late Bebras Natcho penalty.
Pellegrini is likely to be grilled as to why his side again failed to get the result they needed.