Jovetic, 24, endured a frustrating debut campaign at City, with injury and illness restricting him to only 11 league appearances, but he appears rejuvenated after a successful pre-season.
He scored either side of half-time in Monday’s game at the Etihad Stadium – taking him to within one goal of his tally for the entire 2013-14 campaign – and Pellegrini said it was a reward for his determination.
“He was very unlucky last season, but we never had any doubt about his quality,” said Pellegrini.
“I’m very happy for him, because after such an unlucky season, he deserves to start this season the way he’s playing.
“Not only for his goals. Stevan was working the whole game, without the ball also.”
Jovetic told Sky Sports, “There are so many beautiful moments now, after so many problems last year, but I don’t want to think about that as it’s the past.
“I just want to enjoy [playing] with this team, with these players, and to win as many titles as we can.”
Pellegrini added Dzeko would undergo tests on Tuesday after the Bosnian striker took a kick to the leg, but the City manager described it as ‘nothing important’.
Jovetic’s display took the spotlight away from Mario Balotelli, the former City striker, who watched the game from the director’s box after completing his £16 million move to Liverpool from AC Milan.
The Italy international arrives with a reputation for causing trouble, but Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers described his transfer as ‘a calculated risk’.
“I think that in the market to get someone in at that quality, the deal for us was very good,” said Rodgers.
“He is a world-class talent and it is an area we need to strengthen. It is a calculated risk, but one where we believe can help him as a player and to mature as a young man.
“I don’t have any concerns at all, to be honest. He comes in with a reputation, but we hope at our club we can curb that behaviour.”
Published in The Express Tribune, August 27th, 2014.
Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.
1714024018-0/ModiLara-(1)1714024018-0-270x192.webp)
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ