Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini claimed that he was not worried about his own job despite his side limping out of the Champions League against Barcelona.
Sergio Aguero missed a late penalty which might have given the Manchester side hope, but a first leg deficit and a sublime lob from Ivan Rakitic knocked City out at the last 16 stage.
However, despite losing four of their last five games and staring at the prospect of a trophy-less season, Pellegrini was confident he would be Manchester City boss next season.
“At the end of the season we’ll see what we analyse what the future is, but I don’t have any problems or am worried about that,” said 61-year-old manager.
“Maybe it is not the moment to try to explain different things. It’s very important for this team to try to win something every year.
“I don’t think it is absolutely necessary to think that you have to improve because there are a lot of things that you must analyse at the right time. Last season was a very good season.”
The Chilean was full of praise for his Spanish opponents whoever, who at times looked worlds ahead of the champions of England.
“We lost against a better team, without doubt. It is very difficult to beat Barcelona, especially with Messi,” he said.
“We all want to continue in the Champions League, but we need to improve in Europe.
“Maybe it was not our best chance to continue in Europe this year because we have important restrictions on the amount of players and amount of money we can spend, so it was a difficult year for our team in that sense.
“But I think if we weren’t drawn against Barcelona we might have had a chance to continue.”
Joe Hart, who produced one of the most memorable European performances by an English goalkeeper, agreed that Luis Enrique’s side were at times irresistible.
“Make no bones about it, Barcelona were the better team in both legs but we hung on in there, defended and made saves, and made tackles, but then didn’t take our chance to get back into it,” said the England number one, whose place in the national side had been under some scrutiny.
“We have to learn to take our chances. Sometimes in Europe you won’t be the better team and you have to somehow find a way to win.”
Hart also rebuffed any speculation that the dressing room were unsettled by Pellegrini’s presence and lack of out-and-out success this season.
“It’s always going to be the same at City, for all the players. We appreciate that if we don’t win everyone will be speculated about. You have to be strong inside,” said the goalkeeper.
“We back our manager. He is a great manager and brought us two trophies last year. Now we have nine games to win – and that’s what we hope to do.”
Main image courtesy of Alex Morton/Action Images, with thanks.
