Reports: Manuel Pellegrini's position safe despite recent results

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini safer for now

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has come under some criticism off late as a series of disappointing results have given rise to rumors that the Chilean’s position as manager is in serious jeopardy. However, according to ESPN, the former Malaga manager still has the backing of the Manchester City hierarchy despite the poor string of results in the last few weeks.

Pellegrini’s side have won just one game in their last four fixtures. They were beaten by a resurgent Newcastle side and were knocked out of the Capitol One Cup that they won last season.

City have a lot of ground to cover

They went on to beat Manchester United after the disappointment of the Newcastle game but were far from their best against the 10-men of United. They were favorites against CSKA Moscow when the latter visited the Etihad last Wednesday but ended up losing the game which has put their qualification from the group in serious doubt.

City lie bottom in group-E after having picked up just two points in their opening four games.

Saturday’s stalemate at Loftus Road against QPR has left City eight points behind Chelsea in third spot. Retaining the title was always going to be tough as Chelsea and Jose Mourinho have rectified almost every weak link in their squad and are unbeaten in all competitions.

Where have they gone wrong?

When City won the title under Roberto Mancini, they failed to defend it in the next season and ended up without winning a single trophy. Pellegrini’s team seem to be following the same path as there is nothing new in their game.

Last season, City used to destroy teams at the Etihad, but this season, the team seems happy protecting a narrow lead and are barely winning the games. Their squad is almost identical to last year yet what is missing is the hunger and the desire shown by the likes of Fernandinho, Edin Dzeko and Yaya Toure.

Pellegrini’s squad rotation hasn’t yielded the required results as Elaquim Mangala and Martin Demichelis haven’t impressed as a center back pairing.

In the Champions League, Pellegrini never seems to have a different approach as the 4-4-2 system is his one and only preferred method. Dzeko has failed to carry last season’s form which has cost City dearly as Sergio Aguero is the only in-form striker.

Stefan Jovetic started the season well, but his form has petered of since the hamstring injury he suffered in late August.