HONG KONG: Manuel Pellegrini picked up his first?piece of silverware as Manchester City manager on Saturday in Hong Kong, but it came at a potential cost with centre-half Matija Nastasic stretchered off.
Edin Dzeko's spectacular volley from outside the box on nine minutes -- his second goal in two games -- was enough to edge City past a dogged Sunderland 1-0 and give them the Barclays Asia Trophy.
The dire condition of the pitch at the 40,000 sell-out Hong Kong Stadium -- where Manchester United play on Monday -- will again come under the spotlight after Nastasic became the second Premier League player to fall victim to the treacherous conditions after days of heavy rain.
Pellegrini was tight-lipped as to the severity of the ankle injury sustained by Nastasic, who had his hands over his face and appeared to be distressed after receiving what Pellegrini termed a kick to the ankle.
The Chilean said he did not believe the surface -- which was covered in sand but cut up badly as more heavy rain tumbled down -- was to blame.
"I can't tell you now, the doctor needs to see him tomorrow when we arrive in Manchester and then we can know what has happened to his ankle," Pellegrini said.
"We are concerned but it is better to wait. He received a kick to his ankle and the doctor is seeing what it could be, but it is impossible for him to know.
"It is part of the game and could have happened on any pitch."
The former Malaga coach, who took over from the sacked Roberto Mancini last month, added: "We put in a good performance. For me it is important to improve here in Hong Kong compared to South Africa (where City were touring beforehand).
"To play on this pitch was not easy but we always tried to play (good football) and we did well."
Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sport/football-pellegrini-picks/758478.html
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