Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini is hopeful that he can add the FA Cup to his collection this season as his side prepare to take on Middlesbrough in the fourth round of the competition.

The historic trophy is the only major piece of silverware that the Chilean has yet to claim during his short time in British football, having won both the League Cup and Premier League in his maiden campaign at the Etihad Stadium.

Pellegrini faced criticism for his decision to allow the squad to train an extra day during their mid-season break in Dubai, meaning that the Citizens left themselves less than 24 hours to prepare for today's meeting with Boro.

However, the former Real Madrid boss has insisted that he is determined to win the famous cup this season, telling reporters: "When I say that we try to play in every competition the same way this is true.

"Last year we tried to do it and win all the three titles, but we lost in the quarter-final against Wigan. This year we are now not playing in the Capital One Cup so we will try to reach the final of the FA Cup, the most traditional competition in England. And for our club it is very important.

"You always hear in your life about the FA Cup. That the whole country is involved in it from the lowest levels. It is very important to win it."

Today's opponents Middlesbrough are flying high in the Championship at the moment, sitting just one point behind leaders Bournemouth.