Pellegrini Denies Rift with Komapny

Following last week's controversy over Manchester City and Belgium Captain Vincent Kompany playing in his nation's 3-1 victory over Israel in European Championship qualifying, the Blues skipper found himself on the bench for both matches this week.

This reality led to a discussion that rift had developed between Captain and Manager over Komapany's decision to suit up and play for Belgium, when the nation has already secured Euro 2016 qualification. Manchester City Manager Manuel Pellegrini has denied such a rift exists.

"I'm not punishing Vincent,"I don't have a problem in my relationship with Vincent."

"It was important for him to work some days before he returns to the team and we need to choose the best starting XI.
"Mangala and Otamendi are doing well."

Manchester City travel to Old Trafford to face local-rivals Manchester United on Sunday. Kompany's header goal in the April 2012 meeting between these sides decided the 2011-12 Barclays Premier League title. Pellegrini's comments don't guarantee Kompany will start Sunday but make very possible he will.

Pellegrini is not the type of manager to call players out publicly or to create needless controversy. So in this case, one must assume that he got the reaction from the player he wanted and it is time to move on.