Football: Pellegrini wants his City squad to raise their game to a higher level

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini watches the start of their FA Cup third round match against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park in Blackburn, north-west England, on Jan 4, 2014. Pellegrini believes his side must improve if they are to reclaim th
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini watches the start of their FA Cup third round match against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park in Blackburn, north-west England, on Jan 4, 2014. Pellegrini believes his side must improve if they are to reclaim the Premier League title this season.  -- FILE PHOTO: REUTERS 

MANCHESTER (AFP) - Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini believes his side must improve if they are to reclaim the Premier League title this season.

City travel to Newcastle tomorrow looking to top the league, with current leaders Arsenal not playing until Monday.

They have improved on their early-season form which led them to away defeats at Cardiff, Aston Villa, Chelsea and Sunderland.

Now, they are on a nine-game unbeaten run in the league and just one goal shy of their total for all competitions last season.

Nevertheless, the Chilean boss called on his side to raise their game still further.

"We are in a very good moment but we are just in the middle of the season," he said.

He added that proving City's strength in depth would be an important factor in their title bid. "It is important for the whole squad to see we can change names and we can continue playing the same way."

Manchester United are 11 points off the lead but Pellegrini does not discount them in the race for the title.

"Arsenal sit top, one point on top of us, and Chelsea is one point behind but we are absolutely sure Manchester United will continue fighting to the end, because they are used to doing it."

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