Pellegrini: Willy justified selection, City were better team

Ian Watson

Manuel Pellegrini was delighted to win the Capital One Cup on penalties because it gave Willy Caballero his time in the spotlight.

Caballero saved three spot-kicks as City triumphed over Liverpool after a 1-1 draw at Wembley.

The back-up goalkeeper was heavily criticised following last weekend’s 5-1 defeat in the FA Cup at Chelsea but Pellegrini kept his word to the Argentine stopper and the manager was rewarded with three fine saves in the shoot-out.

Pellegrini told Sky Sports: I think we deserved to win the game, we missed too many chances, played better than Liverpool.”

On sticking with Caballero, he added: “I prefer to win it this way, because I was pleased to win the title for the players, fans, the staff but for Willy.

“I preferred to lose the title than lose the word (of picking him). We are working hard, in the middle of the season, it is important for us to keep fighting now.

“I was concerned about the amount of chances we missed. After that we played better in extra-time.

“It’s a very important moment, and it’s always very special to win a title at Wembley.”