FA Cup: Pellegrini defends team selection after Chelsea rout

Interim Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink claims Manuel Pellegrini ‘s decision to name a young Manchester City team did not help his side despite their 5-1 FA Cup fifth round win at Stamford Bridge.

Television replays showed coins landing on the pitch near City’s players who were celebrating David Faupala’s first half equaliser.

Chelsea’s rampant victory over Manchester City on Sunday was marred by the behaviour of some of the club’s fanbase, actions that have been condemned by coach Guus Hiddink.

Premier League heavyweights Arsenal and Manchester United will be at home in the last eight if they come through their respective clashes at Hull City and Shrewsbury Town.

Despite Pellegrini’s pre-match words, Fabregas said the opposition team-sheet still raised eyebrows in the Chelsea dressing room.

The incident came a day after West Bromwich Albion’s Chris Brunt was struck just beneath the eye by a coin as he went to throw his shirt into the visiting fans after their defeat at Reading.

Crystal Palace’s Martin Kelly, backgroundt, celebrates after scoring a goal, with teammate Yohan Cabaye during the English FA Cup fifth round soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace at White Hart Lane in London, Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016.

“We strongly condemn any such behavior and will work with both clubs and the authorities to identify those responsible”, the FA said in a statement. They are all important but we must prioritise the Champions League.

Pellegrini’s side are away to Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League on Wednesday and then take on Liverpool in the League Cup final a week on Sunday.

“Someone said we must eliminate one cup, but I think the cups are good”. James Horsfield, Cameron Humphreys-Grant, Brandon Barker and Angelino have also featured in previous FA Cup squads this term.

Pellegrini insisted that the situation was forced upon him and with the amount of injuries team have already suffered, they couldn’t take any more risks with some of his senior players ahead of European commitments.

“We have big games coming up and the Champions League is a big challenge, we need to be ready for anything”. Today we couldn’t because I think we have more important things at this moment. “We played really great football and it looked easy”.