Pellegrini content to bide his time

Many Premier League managers highlight the importance of negotiating the hectic Christmas period, but Manchester City's Manuel Pellegrini is in a relaxed mood with his side trailing leader Chelsea by three points.

Second-place City, which has 39 points from 17 matches, begins the holiday schedule with a trip to West Bromwich Albion on Friday before hosting Burnley and Sunderland in quick succession.

Having won six straight league matches, City has closed the gap on Chelsea but Pellegrini does not think the next few weeks will define the champion's season.