Edin Dzeko believes the confidence placed in him by new boss Manuel Pellegrini can help him fire Manchester City to glory this season.
The Bosnian’s future at the Etihad Stadium previously looked under threat due to Roberto Mancini’s preference for other strikers and he had been linked with moves to both Juventus and Borussia Dortmund.
However, despite the arrivals of Alvaro Negredo and Stevan Jovetic, plus the imminent return to fitness of Sergio Aguero, Pellegrini has named Dzeko as his first choice for the upcoming campaign.
The 27-year-old has rewarded the Chilean’s faith in him with a string of fine performances in pre-season and continued his form with a brace in Wednesday’s 5-3 win over AC Milan in the Audi Cup.
The former Wolfsburg man regularly spoke of his disquiet at being forced to play second fiddle during Mancini’s reign, with Aguero and the recently-departed Carlos Tevez often preferred up front.
The Citizens go into the new season on the back of failing to win a trophy last term and the pressure is certainly on Pellegrini to secure some kind of silverware – and quickly.
Dzeko is now looking forward to playing a key role in his side’s quest for glory and believes the confidence shown in him by the new manager will inspire him over the next few months.
“I feel different, better. I just feel that I have more confidence and that the manager gives me more confidence and that is an important thing,” he told the club’s official website.
“I feel different because someone who is important has trust in you and that is good.”
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