Manuel Pellegrini does not think Sunday’s derby with Manchester United is as big as games against Liverpool or Chelsea, the City boss told reporters.

City come into the crucial game against United on the back of three straight games without a win, the latest being a lacklustre home defeat to Newcastle United in the Capital One Cup.

United have endured a worse start to the season, with just three league wins, but Pellegrini was quick to play down the importance of the derby.

“I don’t think this is the biggest game,” the 61-year-old said at a press conference.

“Against Liverpool, or Chelsea, or the big teams, I always say they are six point games because you win and your rival doesn’t.

“Every derby is different from another one. Both teams are not in their best moment of the season, but every derby is special.”

The Blues suffered away defeats to Stoke and West Ham already this season, but the 61-year-old responded defensively to accusations that his side needed to change the system that they play.

He said: “One year ago, at the end of October, I was getting the same questions, when we didn’t win away from home for six games.

“We will continue to play the same way.”

However, the Chilean was eager to stress that previous form or derby hype would not detract from what is a crucial run of games for City.

“It doesn’t matter what we do the games before the derby. It is important for us to play well against Manchester United, or against QPR next week, or against CSKA Moscow.”

Manchester City will be without talisman David Silva, out for at least three weeks after he limped off after only nine minutes against Newcastle with knee ligament damage.

Yaya Toure will likely play on Sunday, but Pellegrini was prickly in response to questions about whether Silva’s absence puts more pressure on a stuttering Toure.

“We are a team and in that team we need top players in their top form because that’s the best way to play well.”

Main image courtesy of Manchester City FC via YouTube, with thanks.