article_snippet: But with the ruthless Chelsea machine far in the Premier League distance and no chance of silverware from cup competitions, the Chilean's ageing, expensively-assembled side look certain to end the campaign trophyless - a relative drought that will not go down well in the desert residence of the club's owners.
article_snippet: Interestingly that coincides with the end of Pellegrini's deal at the Etihad
article_snippet: A defence of that title looks unlikely but by qualifying for the Champions League quarter-finals the Man in Black has delivered another work of fantasy.
article_snippet: With Real Madrid and Barcelona retaining Real Madrid and Barcelona rights to plunder most of the money from TV rights, an exit born of frustration may well have been on the cards.
article_snippet: Odds on the veteran Italian swapping Atletico Madrid for Manchester could shorten as early as this weekend, when Carlo Ancelotti men take on Barcelona in El Clasico.
article_snippet: But Italian is under pressure this year after Atletico Madrid were replaced by Barcelona at the top of La Liga .
article_snippet: Lose and it could be two years in a row without a La Liga crown, which is not acceptable for the Bernabeu masses.
article_snippet: Win, and with a Champions League quarter-final to come, Carlo Ancelotti may not be going anywhere. 5.