David Silva has praised Manuel Pellegrini for bringing joy back to Manchester City as the club close in on the Premier League title.#INSERT type:image caption:David Silva has scored seven goals and made nine assists in the Premier League this season.END#
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The Chilean is on the brink of becoming the first South American manager to win the trophy, and midfielder Silva said the 60-year-old has made the Etihad Stadium a happy place once more.
Pellegrini, who replaced Roberto Mancini last summer, only needs to avoid defeat against West Ham on Sunday to see City crowned champions.
His team have already scored 154 goals in all competitions and playmaker Silva believes the manager deserves much of the praise for their progress.
"He's brought a joy and a happiness around the place and also to our style of play," the Daily Express reports Silva as saying.
"You see that in the way we play: attack-minded, [with] lots of goals. He's made us competitive in every competition. We've gone further in them. He's given us that extra push and taken us one step further."
Pellegrini revealed that when he retired as a player, he made a conscious decision to be much calmer as a manager, and Silva believes that understated approach has been beneficial.
"His calmness has been obvious," he continued. "He's added that to the whole club. And it really helps us at difficult moments. It's nice to have that calm attitude around you when things get tough.
"That has suited us. So has the style of play he's brought with him. He likes us to have possession, create chances and score lots of goals.
"If you are enjoying it you can express yourself. If you are suffering and edgy out on the field, that's when things don't work out so well.
"Having Manuel here has helped me personally. It's been really good for me. He's suited me down to the ground. My style of play is more suited to an attacking style.
"He's helped me develop as a player. It's been a good year for me. I've felt good in myself."