Manchester City defeated Dynamo Kiev 3-1 in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 clash on Wednesday and their manager Manuel Pellegrini claims his decision to give the European competition more importance over the FA Cup has been justified with his side's latest display.
In the fifth round of the FA Cup tie against Chelsea, the Chilean manager fielded a second fiddle team. The Manchester based club suffered a crushing 5-1 loss at the hands of the Premier League champions.
For the Champions League fixture during the midweek, Joe Hart returned to the starting lineup in front of the goal. In addition to this, Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Yaya Toure also started against Kiev and the trio were on the scoresheet in City's latest victory.
"Having just 13 fit outfield players - it was a key decision to rest the team in the [FA Cup] game," Pellegrini said, as quoted by BBC.
"It was important for the way we had to play this game with lots of intensity. In this profession you always get criticism when you don't win, but for the manager it is important to take the right decision."
The Citizens' latest victory saw them bring an end to three match winless streak in all competitions, during which they scored thrice and conceded 10 goals in the process. The former Real Madrid manager is delighted with his side's latest performance, but has urged his men not to be complacent for the return leg at the Etihad as City look to seal a berth in the quarter-final of the Champions League.
"I'm very happy. It's a very good result. I think the worst thing we can do is to think that because we won 3-1 away the game at home is finished," City manager explained.
"We played very well, created a lot of chances and we pressed very well. I always try to respect all the competitions but unfortunately we couldn't continue in the FA Cup."
