Manchester City Manager Explains Why Kelechi Iheanacho Was Handed Penalty Responsibility
Published: January 31, 2016
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has explained why he handed penalty-taking responsibilities to Kelechi Iheanacho in his side’s 4-0 rout of Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Saturday.
There were more experienced players - Raheem Sterling, Fernandinho and Jesús Navas- in the starting lineup but the Chilean gaffer decided that the Nigeria international should take the spot kick, having watched him convert several of them at training.
“I told Bacary to tell Kelechi to shoot the penalty because he was in charge of them today,” said Pellegrini.
“It’s unbelievable the way he takes penalties and I’ve seen him do it every day. That’s why he was the right option.
“He’s a very good young player. That’s why we kept him in the squad this season and that’s why we didn’t replace Jovetic and Edin Dzeko because I see him working every day and I know how important he can be.”
Kelechi Iheanacho played the full game at Villa Park, the second time in his City career that he he has lasted the distance.
Photo Credit : mcfc.co.uk
There were more experienced players - Raheem Sterling, Fernandinho and Jesús Navas- in the starting lineup but the Chilean gaffer decided that the Nigeria international should take the spot kick, having watched him convert several of them at training.
“I told Bacary to tell Kelechi to shoot the penalty because he was in charge of them today,” said Pellegrini.
“It’s unbelievable the way he takes penalties and I’ve seen him do it every day. That’s why he was the right option.
“He’s a very good young player. That’s why we kept him in the squad this season and that’s why we didn’t replace Jovetic and Edin Dzeko because I see him working every day and I know how important he can be.”
Kelechi Iheanacho played the full game at Villa Park, the second time in his City career that he he has lasted the distance.
Photo Credit : mcfc.co.uk
Latest News
- Report: Wolverhampton Wanderers make N16.8b bid for Super Eagles right-back
- Tottenham-linked central defender Tosin makes final decision on his future at Fulham
- Super Eagles striker Boniface admits missing 2023 AFCON was one of the painful moments of his career
- Confirmed team news: Aston Villa old boy Chukwuemeka will miss Chelsea's trip to B6 6HE
- 2019 Golden Eaglets invitee Offiah makes his home debut for Brighton in loss to Man City
- 'Goal return is acceptable but could be greater' - Rangers legend likens Dessers to Chelsea striker
- Agent reveals why Super Eagles defender's proposed moves to MLS, Serie A fell through
- 2021 Super Eagles invitee open to a summer transfer to Manchester United
- Who Will Win Gold? Unveiling the Paris 2024 Olympics Football Showdown
- Portuguese top-flight club join Gent in race to sign Viborg striker Ementa
Football News 24/7
News Categories
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football