Manchester City Boss Manuel Pellegrini Slams 'Small Club' Chelsea and Mourinho Over Defensive Style

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has hit back at Jose Mourinho, claiming his Chelsea side played like Stoke City rather than like a 'big club' during Sunday's 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium.

Andre Schurrle netted the opener for the Blues minutes after the home side were reduced to ten men following Pablo Zabaleta´s red card for a clash with Diego Costa.

Pellegrini´s side managed to secure a point however after Frank Lampard scored a dramatic equaliser against his former club with just five minutes of the match remaining.

"One big team playing as a big team. One big team playing as a small team, like Stoke," Pellegrini said of Chelsea's performance after the game.

"It is not a result that I want, not what we deserved but the game was very similar to the game against Stoke. Ten players defended their own half, they scored a counter attack and they continue to defend until the end."

"The result is not what both team did during 90 minutes. I am happy because our team played in one way, we continue playing with 11 players, trying to score, and with one player less trying not to have another counter attack and concede a goal. I am very happy with the mentality of our team."

"It is so important to play like a big team, and not like a small team. I would not be happy to play that way, we continue with the same ambition, teams will find it hard to beat us, the team performance was very good," Pellegrini insisted.

On Frank Lampard's impact against his former club Pellegrini said: "He's a top player.

"When I talked with him about staying with our team before he goes to New York and he said yes, I was sure he would be a very important player for us.

"I asked him if he wants to be involved today, and of course he wants to be involved. He's a great professional. I congratulate him because it's not easy but he always wanted to be involved."