Man City boss Pellegrini: Pogba not in Yaya Toure class

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini says Paul Pogba isn't in the same class as Yaya Toure.

Pogba and Juventus meet City this week in the Champions League.

Pellegrini insists: "I don't think it's fair to compare a young player who is just starting with Yaya Toure who has had a brilliant career. He [Pogba] must arrive to do what Yaya has done in his career.

"Pogba is a very young player and when you're young you have the chance to continue improving. That's why it can be important to buy young players because they have more chances to improve."

Manuel Pellegrini insists Man City midfielder Yaya Toure will decide his own international future

City boss says Ivory Coast star is back to his best after summer break but he would never stand in his way over playing for his country

Manuel Pellegrini insists he will not try to convince Yaya Toure that quitting international football would be good for his health.

Toure asked to be left out of the Ivory Coast squad for the African Cup of Nations qualifier against Sierra Leone, prompting a plea from former Les Elephants' coach Francois Zahoui that his country still needs him.

The powerful 32-year-old midfielder is back to his best after getting his first prolonged break from football for three years this summer.

And Sunday Mirror Sport understands that Toure is torn between committing himself solely to City and winning the five caps that will take him to 100 appearances for his country.

But Pellegrini said: "I have never spoken with a player asking him to retire from international football.

"I think a club should be proud to have as many players playing for their country as possible.

"Things like that are decisions that players must take. It is a personal decision."

Toure looked on his way out of the Etihad last season after failing to hit the heights that saw him hit 20 goals as City won the title and Capital One Cup in Pellegrini's first season.

The former Barcelona favourite struggled to come to terms with the death of his brother Ibrahim in the summer of 2013.

And his outspoken agent Dimitri Seluk also caused problems with some stinging comments aimed at the City manager and the club's hierarch

Pellegrini said: "We are seeing the same Yaya that we saw in my first season here.

"Last season, I don't think it was just a matter of rest. I think there was a lot of mind problems, starting with the death of his brother.

"It was not easy for Yaya because his brother had a long illness. After that, he had a lot of problems with his agent.

"I now think Yaya is calm. It is both things - it was important for him to rest, but part of it was about how his mind works."