Manuel Pellegrini explains why he benched Vincent Kompany
Saturday 17 October 2015 19:34, UK
Manuel Pellegrini says Vincent Kompany was benched for Manchester City against Bournemouth because he played for Belgium in midweek.
The defender had missed City's five previous games with a calf injury but then played for Belgium in midweek, much to Pellegrini's displeasure.
Kompany's absence didn't affect the team though as they roared past Bournemouth 5-1 with Raheem Sterling netting a hat-trick and Wilfired Bony scoring a brace.
Pellegrini said: "He was on the bench because we finished playing with (Nicolas) Otamendi and (Eliaquim) Mangala in the last game and they did very well.
"He was on the bench because he played for Belgium on Tuesday and couldn't work on Wednesday and Thursday. I think working just one day after one month injured is not enough to play again."
Pellegrini had more positive words for the role Sterling played in their victory.
His hat-trick took his tally for the club to five goals and Pellegrini is backing the England man to continue improving.
Pellegrini said: "I think it was important for Raheem to score three goals. He must improve his finishing - he did that today. He's young and will continue to get better.
"I don't think he's a striker like Kun (Aguero) or Bony but this year, and I said it when he arrived, I am sure he will score more goals than he did in another season at Liverpool.
"Kevin (de Bruyne) did very well, as he did against Newcastle, and I think the system allowed Raheem to score more goals."
