Sunday 17 May 2015 19:00, UK
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini claims he had never lost faith in the ability of Yaya Toure after his double assured the club of a top-three finish in the Premier League.
Toure scored twice in a 4-2 win, while substitute Wilfried Bony reminded Swansea of what they were missing, as City made sure they will be among the trio of English clubs guaranteed entry into the Champions League group stage - the fourth-placed club burdened with a qualifying round.
The Ivorian's future at City has been the subject of intense speculation but Pellegrini said he had never lost faith in the 32-year-old's ability.
"I didn't have any doubt about Yaya," Pellegrini told Sky Sports. "Maybe the media started with him after his birthday. After that he went to the Africa Cup (of Nations) and we couldn't win (the Premier League).
"Maybe an important player has more criticism, but I never had doubts what he is like as a player and his commitment to the team."
Maybe an important player has more criticism, but I never had doubts what he is like as a player and his commitment to the team.
Maybe an important player has more criticism, but I never had doubts what he is like as a player and his commitment to the team.
City squandered a two-goal lead at the Liberty before restoring their cushion but Pellegrini was content with three decisive points.
"We needed to win to ensure we were in Europe," he added.
"It was an open game. We conceded two easy goals but I am happy with the performance against a good team.
"We know we are in a very difficult league. We have four or five very strong teams with the same money to spend so it's not easy to be champions every year.
"If you cannot be champion, it's important to finish in the position we are. This year I think we lost too many point against teams in the relegation positions and also in both cups.
"We need to improve a lot of thin but I am absolutely sure that we will be a very strong team next season and we will be involved with the title again."
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