Leicester won't be on top for too long: City coach Pellegrini

Outgoing Manchester City head coach Manuel Pellegrini believes Leicester City will not be able to maintain their place at the top of the English football for long because they do not have enough money.

Having narrowly escaped relegation last season, a dramatic turnaround has seen the Foxes move to the brink of the English Premier League (EPL) title, which they will claim if second-placed Tottenham fail to beat Chelsea on Monday.

However, Manchester City coach Pellegrini, who will be replaced by Pep Guardiola next season, said that Leicester's success may turn out to be a mere flash in the pan as he does not believe they have the financial muscle to continue challenging at the top.

"I do not think Leicester being top is a lesson. They are a very well-organised team with very few injuries," Pellegrini was quoted as saying by Spanish daily El Mundo.

"They have great merit, but I do not think they will remain at the top for eight or 10 years. All big teams have money at their base. What Leicester have done, I think, is similar to what we did with Villarreal when we finished second in La Liga in 2007-08."

Pellegrini also said that EPL sets an example in a number of areas that La Liga could follow, namely in greater equality in the distribution of revenue from television rights.

With Barcelona and Real Madrid afforded the bulk in Spain, the City coach reckoned the league has become less competitive.

"The Premier League is an experience that no major coach should miss. The organisation is perfect, a show for the fans and for television, and the support of the people is impressive: all the stadiums are always full, in any competition," Pellegrini continued.

"Stadium attendance could be replicated in Spain. Real Madrid and Barcelona fill theirs, but people here support their club a lot more, no matter how the team is doing," the 62-year-old said.

--IANS

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