Beating Stoke ideal for Champions League semis preparation: City coach

Manchester, April 23: Manchester City coach Manuel Pellegrini believes the best way to prepare for their Champions League football semi-final against Real Madrid is to win on Saturday against Stoke City in the English Premier League.

Pellegrini said at the press conference on Friday, "It's very important because we're in the semi-finals but that doesn't mean we're not worried about the Premier League."

"For big teams you cannot choose one competition. For some reason the big clubs can be knocked out. It's important not to leave one competition," he said.

Manchester City will host Real Madrid on Tuesday at their home ground – the Etihad Stadium – in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals.

They face Stoke City on Saturday in the 35th round of the Premier League.

They are currently fourth in the standings with 61 points from 34 matches.