Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has insisted that he is under no pressure, following some heavy criticism over his job security and speculation over the future of The Citzens once again.  

The Chilean has come under fire in the past week, with back-to-back defeats against La Liga giants Barcelona and top four chasers Liverpool have virtually damaged their season, in the UEFA Champions League and Premier League respectively.

He was criticised for his lack of bravery to change his default 4-4-2 formation, especially given the quality of the opposition. They lost 2-1 in both fixtures, but were expected to put up more of a fight in both and suggestions were made that Pellegrini himself did not think the team was strong enough to go forward and get good results; sitting back for a draw against The Reds in the latter stages of Sunday's defeat, which ultimately back fired courtesy of Phillipe Coutinho's well placed-effort.  

They are currently five points behind the league leaders Chelsea, having played a game more as The Blues were involved in the Capital One Cup final on the weekend; which they won 2-0 against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. They will have to be on top of their game, if they are to overturn the two-goal away deficit at the hands of Luis Enrique's Barca side, in two weeks' time at the Nou Camp. 

However, Pellegrini had this to say when faced by questions from the media: "I never have any pressure to win an amount of titles and to win a title every year if I want to continue here; I don't feel any pressure, especially from the media. I feel pressure only when I don't see my team playing the way I want to do it. When I signed the contract, I was never told I must win a title every year or that I must win five trophies in five years.

Pep Guardiola, Diego Simeone and Carlo Ancelotti have all been identified as possible replacements for the English defending champions in the latest reports, but Pellegrini is certain his job at the club is still safe despite City's inconsistent form which has hurt their season.

You never know in football; there are different ways to analyse the season. The title is important but it is not the only important thing. You don't know if we are going to win against Barcelona or be out of the Champions League; maybe last year nobody would say we were going to win the Premier League. To think about the future is the worst thing because you are just speculating about a lot of things. It is important to live life in the present. I have 25 years' experience of management at important clubs and I never feel the pressure."