Manchester City's Manuel Pellegrini: 'Diego Costa should change his behaviour'

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini believes that Chelsea striker Diego Costa should change his on-field behaviour after he was given a three-match ban for violent conduct.

The Football Association has punished the Spain international for allegedly stamping on Emre Can's ankle during Chelsea's 1-0 win over Liverpool in the Capital One Cup semi-final at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

Costa contested the charge with the reported backing of his club, but the FA has dismissed his appeal.

As a result, Costa will not play a part in Saturday's clash against Premier League title rivals City on home turf.

"He is a great player, a very important player," Pellegrini told reporters. "He has his character, it is not an easy character but I hope for him, that this punishment, I am not trying to take advantage for the game tomorrow, I think it will be a good thing for him to change in the future because he doesn't need to do it in that way because he is a very good player, a top player."

City are five points behind Chelsea, who lead the way in the Premier League table.