Silva backing for Pellegrini

David Silva is happy that Manchester City have kept faith with Manuel Pellegrini as they step up their preparations for the new season.

City, who head to Australia on pre-season duty next week, failed to retain their Premier League title last season after Pellegrini had claimed a league and cup double in his first year in charge.

Pellegrini came under mounting pressure last season but come August, he will be in the dug-out for his third season in charge and that is good news as far as Silva is concerned.

The City playmaker told Sky Sports News HQ: "He's been our coach for two years and he is a coach who likes to play attacking football so for the attacking players it is very good and we want to keep playing that way."

City will face Chelsea in the second weekend of the season and Silva believes that that match will present a good chance to put down an early marker in the title race.

He said: "Every year it is very difficult as there are very good teams, the competition is hard, every game is high level and we just try to do our best.

"We want to make a good start and then to take that advantage, get the minds prepared and to get ready for it."