Pellegrini: Chelsea will be worthy champions

Manuel Pellegrini claims Jose Mourinho can say what he wants about his Manchester City side but accepts Chelsea are worthy title winners.

City boss Pellegrini and his Chelsea counterpart Mourinho have regularly clashed in recent years, with their history stretching back to when both worked in Spain. But Pellegrini accepts the best side are about to win the title.

He said: “Chelsea deserve to win the title because they have been the most consistent team with very good players. I congratulate their owner because he is always improving his squad and I congratulate their fans and Jose Mourinho and the players because they deserve absolutely the title.”

Meanwhile Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino wants the final say on all of Tottenham’s transfer dealings this summer. The Spurs head coach will be looking to recruit players he believes can help turn the club into one good enough to reach the top four in the league next season.

There will also be some perceived deadwood to be sold on but, with technical director Franco Baldini, chairman Daniel Levy, head of recruitment Paul Mitchell and chief scout Ian Broomfield all involved in transfer activity, it is unclear who rubber-stamps any moves.

“The final decision? I think it should be me, no?,” Pochettino said yesterday. “It is very important that the players who stay here and the players who maybe we bring in that I agree and it is my decision.”