Manuel Pellegrini refusing to blame Abu Dhabi trip on shock Middlesbrough defeat

Manuel Pellegrini has played down the significance of Manchester City's midweek trip to Abu Dhabi following their shock FA Cup exit to Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Patrick Bamford and Kike netted second-half goals as Boro beat City 2-0 at Eastlands to eliminate the 2011 winners.

Pellegrini and company only landed back in Manchester on Friday after embarking on a 4,000-mile round trip for a friendly with Hamburger SV on Wednesday.

Asked if their trip to the Middle East played a role in the defeat, the Chilean told BBC Sport. "No, I don't think so. It's easy to have an excuse, but I don't think that was the case."

Prior to kickoff against the Championship side, Pellegrini had eased fears over jet leg.