Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini insists he has what it takes to win silverware at the Etihad.

He lacks a major trophy on his c.v. from his time in Spain, however - a point that was put to him bluntly by one reporter yesterday.

"I won a lot of trophies in South America," said Pellegrini. "It is impossible in Spain.

"I started with Villarreal and it is very difficult for them to win a title, to reach the quarters, semis of the Champions League and go second in the League.

"At Real Madrid with 96 points, we played a whole year against a great Barcelona with Guardiola and we came second. I am sure if I had stayed at Real Madrid we could win a lot of trophies.

"Malaga, though, is the same as Villarreal. You can't win the title with Malaga."