Manuel Pellegrini relieved to avoid Barcelona in Champions League quarter-finals

Manchester City's Chilean headcoach Manuel Pellegrini looks on before the UEFA Champions League football match Juventus vs Manchester City on November 25, 2015
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Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini admits that he is relieved to have avoided Barcelona in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has claimed that he is relieved to have avoided Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-final draw.

The Premier League side, who are the only English club left in the competition, will take on Paris Saint-Germain in the next round.

Barcelona will continue the defence of their crown against Atletico Madrid.

"In my opinion, Barcelona are the team that can make the difference but all the other teams are the same," Pellegrini told reporters.

"You never know what represents an easy draw when you're with the eight best teams on the continent. Maybe one team has less of a name than another but they're at this stage so they deserve to be there because they beat other teams.

"It's better to be away first. I always prefer to finish at home so you know what you must do in your home stadium."

It is the first time that City have reached the final eight in the Champions League.

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini celebrates winning the League Cup on February 28, 2016
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