MANCHESTER -- Manuel Pellegrini believes it could be better for New York City FC if Frank Lampard extends his loan spell at Manchester City.
Lampard, 36, is playing for the Premier League champions until the end of December, and Pellegrini is keen to extend the deal -- ideally for the rest of the season.
With only eight days remaining in 2015, time is running out for City to come to an agreement over the midfielder's future.
However, Pellegrini expects it to be determined soon, and reckons the newly-created Major League Soccer club will benefit if the former England international stays at the Etihad and helps City enjoy success.
"I hope Frank's situation will be resolved in the next days," he told a news conference on Tuesday. "I said in the beginning it will be during December that we are going to have the last decision. I repeat Frank is very important for our team so I hope he will stay here."
Lampard signed for NYC as one of their designated players in their inaugural MLS season, but Pellegrini does not believe City will offend their American partners by pursuing an extension for the former Chelsea midfielder.
"I don't think so," he added. "That is why we have long conversations with all of them. That is just one club so I think that what is better for the club is better for all the clubs."
Lampard has scored six goals already for defending champions City, who are aiming to retain the title.
The title holders had slipped nine points behind leaders Chelsea but have since cut that lead to three points, and Pellegrini feels the World Cup accounted for their slow start to the season.
"It is always hard to win [the title], the first time and the second time," he added. "Maybe when you already won one title, especially after a World Cup, both things are linked, maybe it is a bit difficult.
"After that, I think that is the same degree of difficulty [to win the title] one year as another."