Manuel Pellegrini: Former Chelsea star Frank Lampard's Man City future out of my control

Posted Friday, December 26, 2014 by Dailystar.co.uk

MANUEL PELLEGRINI admits Frank Lampard’s future is out of his hands.

Pellegrini is desperate for Lampard to extend his deal with Manchester City until the end of the season.

The former England midfielder is due to join MLS outfit New York City at the start of next month in preparation for the start of their season in March.

But the champions want Lampard to stay where he is for the time being following his impressive impact this season.

Lampard has scored six goals in 15 outings to help the big-spenders chase down Chelsea at the top of the table and reach the Champions League knockout stages.

Pellegrini knows keeping Lampard is vital to City’s hopes of defending their title, not least because fellow midfielder Yaya Toure will join the Ivory Coast in the middle of next month for the Africa Cup of Nations.

But despite the fact talks are on-going between City and NYC, Pellegrini insists the final decision is not his.

Manuel Pellegrini: Former Chelsea star Frank Lampard's Man City future out of my control
BIG IMPACT: Frank Lampard has scored six goals for Manchester City since arriving on loan

Pellegrini said: “One of the reasons we asked him (Lampard) to play here was because we knew Yaya would be leaving us to go to the African Cup of Nations.

"The reason is not important - the important thing is that he stays here.

"Yes I’m confident he’ll stay but I can’t say 100 per cent because it doesn’t depend just on me.

"It’s not so easy because Frank is a New York City player. He’s only on loan until December so we must respect the other people.”

City can equal a club record of NINE straight wins in all competitions if they beat West Brom at the Hawthorns today.

Pellegrini’s men are on a mission to keep pace with Chelsea at the top of the table and the Chilean admits his side are high on confidence.

But he reckons neighbours and bitter-rivals Manchester United cannot be counted out of the title race, adding: “You must always forget whatever we did in the past and try to have your mind in the present, because every season is different.

"There is a gap between us (City and Chelsea) and the others, but it’s not just Chelsea and us.

"Manchester United and others also have options. When mathematics give you a chance, then you still have the option.”

Pellegrini, meanwhile, had admitted Sergio Aguero might not recover from damaged knee ligaments in time for his side’s crunch title showdown with Jose Mourinho’s men at Stamford Bridge on January 31.