Manuel Pellegrini has admitted that winning the Premier League title will be "very important" for Manchester City this season.

The Chilean guided the club to the title in his first season at the Etihad, but was unable to defend the crown last term, resulting in speculation that he could be replaced over the summer.

Pellegrini remains in charge ahead of City's first match of the season against West Bromwich Albion on Monday, and told reporters: "You can't go two years without winning the title. It's very important to win it.

"It's also important to trust when you don't win a title, to trust the work you're doing. I am sure we will learn from last season. We have to be a lot more consistent."

Pellegrini has agreed a two-year contract extension with the club ahead of the start of the new season.