Manuel Pellegrini refused to talk about his future after rivals Manchester United inflicted Manchester City’s sixth defeat in eight games.
United’s run of four defeats to City ended with a 4-2 win at Old Trafford yesterday afternoon, having recovered from going a goal down within the first eight minutes.
Once United got into top gear, City were unable to cope, and Pellegrini has shouldered the blame for their humiliating defeat.
He said: “It is my responsibility and the only way we can change this is by winning games. I am not talking about my position. It is not important.
“The only way to explain our run is that we don’t have the results. We lost many points, not only in this game which was a very difficult one, but in others too.
“We played very well for 20 minutes but we must not play just for 20 minutes, we must play for the whole game in the same way.”
City had taken the lead through Sergio Aguero, but Ashley Young equalised six minutes later before Marouane Fellaini headed in to give United a half-time lead.
Midway through the second half, Juan Mata extended the home side’s lead, running through on goal depite being marginally offside from Wayne Rooney’s pass.
Chris Smalling’s headed wrapped up the win after poor defensive play from Eliaquim Mangala, who had come on during half time for the injured Vincent Kompany.
The only positive of the game was Aguero’s late consolation, which took this total tally in the City blue to 100.
The loss leaves City in fourth, four points behind United and 12 behind leaders Chelsea, but Pellegrini is refusing to press the panic button.
“We are concerned but now we must try to win the next game at home to West Ham,” he added.
“We have been first or second the whole year and now we are fourth, but United and Arsenal have to play against Chelsea.
“We have 18 more points to play for. We must not be dramatic.”
Main image courtesy of MCFC via YouTube, with thanks.
