Blame me for Man City flop — Pellegrini

Manchester City manager, Manuel Pellegrini accepted full responsibility for his ailing side's dismal derby defeat at Old Trafford.

The fallen champions crashed 4-2 to Manchester united, the latest in a string of miserable results in 2015.

City have now lost six of their last eight games in all competitions and have won just four from 12 in the league since pulling level with Chelsea at the top on New Year's Day. The result is certain to increase the already considerable pressure on Pellegrini, who is struggling to arrest his sides startling decline.

Asked if he needed to question his own performance, the Chilean said: “I always think it is my responsibility, always.” The 61-year-old was then asked at his post-match press conference how the team could change their fortunes.

“By winning,” he said. “That is the only way.” Pellegrini would not comment on his own future. “I am not talking about my position,” he said. “It is not important.”

City now find themselves fourth in the table and, rather than looking upwards, perhaps. They are faced with the challenge of battling to retain a UEFA Champions League spot ahead of the likes of Southampton or Liverpool. — PA