Manuel Pellegrini claims Jose Mourinho can say what he wants about his Manchester City side - but accepts Chelsea are worthy title winners.

City boss Pellegrini and his Chelsea counterpart Mourinho have regularly clashed in recent years, with their history stretching back to when both worked in Spain.

Mourinho this week renewed his attack on City over their punishment for breaching European football's Financial Fair Play regulations last year, claiming they should have been docked points.

But as is often the case, Pellegrini does not want to rise to the Portuguese.

Pellegrini said: "I don't have a view about that. Every manager can say what he wants about Financial Fair Play rules. We don't lose points because we don't deserve (to).

"There are so many things he (Mourinho) always says that don't matter - about Chelsea or referees or the FA Cup or other managers or other things.

"When you think everything is normal to say to win, you can say what you want."

He's behind you: Mourinho on the touchline as Pellgrini looks on

City could have just two more days remaining as Barclays Premier League champions as Chelsea close in on the title.

Victory for Mourinho's side over Crystal Palace on Sunday will see them claim the trophy.

City were joint top in January but have failed to sustain a challenge and Pellegrini accepts the best side are about to win.

He said: "You ask me about this season I think that Chelsea was the best team, that they deserve to win the title because they have been the most consistent team with very good players.

"I congratulate their owner because he is always improving his squad and I congratulate their fans and Jose Mourinho and the players because they deserve absolutely the title."

Pellegrini claims there would be no shame in finishing second but insists that does not mean he would be satisfied.

In any case, City still have work to do to secure a runners-up finish. They head into the weekend's programme second but only on goal difference from Arsenal, and Manchester United are only two points behind.

Pellegrini said: "I said last week that in a bad season it is not a shame to be second. I didn't say it was a good season.

"The players, the managers, the owners, the fans - we are not happy with what we did but I think we are working in the right way and we must arrange some things to try and win the title again next season."

City's form in 2015 has led to considerable speculation over Pellegrini's future.

A host of other names have been linked with his job including Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, Diego Simeone, Rafael Benitez and Carlo Ancelotti.

Patrick Vieira, the head coach of City's elite development squad, has also been touted as a potential candidate.

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