Boss Manuel Pellegrini insists he is “not concerned” about his job after Manchester City’s bid to retain the Premier League title was derailed by defeat at Crystal Palace on Monday night.
The Blues lost 2-1 at Selhurst Park with Glenn Murray and Jason Puncheon giving the Eagles a 2-0 lead before Yaya Toure scored a consolation for the visitors with 12 minutes left to play.
City could not find an equaliser as Palace’s revival under manager Alan Pardew continued, with the side now up to 11th place in the table and eyeing a top-half finish.
Pellegrini’s reigning champions are now nine points behind leaders Chelsea – who also have a game in hand against rock-bottom Leicester City – and they now face a real fight to finish in the top three after their title defence hit the buffers.
City now look set to end the season without a trophy but Pellegrini says he does not fear the sack.
“That is one thing I am never concerned with,” said the former Malaga boss. “I never have fear about it, I do my work, I’m very happy. The team may be have a difficult season but never worry about me.
“We are not thinking about Chelsea, or about the title. We are just trying to win our games.”
City’s next game comes on Sunday afternoon when they make the short trip to United for the second Manchester league derby of the season.
The Blues won the first meeting at the Etihad at the start of November with Sergio Aguero scoring the only goal of a game that saw United defender Chris Smalling sent off.
City are 2.80 to beat United (2.50) at Old Trafford with the draw 3.40.
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