Frank Lampard insists Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini is remaining “calm” and showing no signs that he is feeling the pressure of the club’s battle to try and retain their Premier League title.

The veteran former England midfielder has spent the season loan at the Etihad Stadium from new MLS outfit New York City having left his old club Chelsea last summer after 13 years at Stamford Bridge.

Lampard had hoped to help City pip his former club to the title this term, but it is looking increasingly likely that Jose Mourinho’s men will come out on top as they lead the table by six points with a game in hand.

The Premier League is City’s last chance to collect some silverware this term following their recent Champions League exit at the hands of Barcelona.

And there has been suggestions that Pellegrini will pay the price with his job if the club ends the season empty-handed.

However Lampard insists that if the Chilean is feeling the heat, he is hiding it away from his players as they look to collect as many points from their final eight matches to keep the pressure on.

Speaking on the back of Saturday’s 3-0 home win against West Brom, Lampard said: “I think Manuel is very calm. You can see his nature. He is very experienced and can handle all pressures.

“He’s got a good manner and I think it is very important as a top manager that you never look as if the pressure is getting to you and he certainly never gives us that vibe.”

On whether Pellegrini could be facing the sack, Lampard added: “I don’t think you can ever make too many calls or judgements at this stage of the season. Judgements will be made at the end of the season and that is fair enough.”

City are 20.00 to win the Premier League this season, while Chelsea are strong favourites at 1.05.