Pellegrini Explains Why Iheanacho Was Handed Penalty Responsibility

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has explained why he handed penalty-taking responsibilities to Kelechi Iheanacho in his side’s 4-0 rout of Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Saturday.

There were more experienced players – Raheem Sterling, Fernandinho and Jesús Navas- in the starting lineup but the Chilean gaffer decided that the Nigeria international should take the spot kick, having watched him convert several of them at training.

“I told Bacary to tell Kelechi to shoot the penalty because he was in charge of them today,” said Pellegrini.

“It’s unbelievable the way he takes penalties and I’ve seen him do it every day. That’s why he was the right option.

“He’s a very good young player. That’s why we kept him in the squad this season and that’s why we didn’t replace Jovetic and Edin Dzeko because I see him working every day and I know how important he can be.”

Kelechi Iheanacho played the full game at Villa Park, the second time in his City career that he he has lasted the distance.

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