Football
Richard Jolly, ESPN.com writer 9y

Manuel Pellegrini: I never feel pressure from inside Manchester City

MANCHESTER -- Manuel Pellegrini insists he isn't feeling pressure from anyone at Manchester City, despite going through the worst run of form in his time at the Etihad Stadium.

City have gone five games without a win for the first time under Pellegrini as they have slipped seven points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea.

The Chilean's predecessor Roberto Mancini was sacked after his team failed to retain the title in 2012-13 but Pellegrini is adamant that, behind the scenes at City, no one has put him under greater stress.

He told a news conference on Tuesday: "I don't feel any pressure inside the club or outside.

"I never feel pressure. The only pressure is my own pressure that I made myself when I don't feel the team is playing well.

"I think we are in a normal position, we are involved in the Champions League and if we win tomorrow [Wednesday] we will have just one point less than [at the same stage] last season. We have a lot of things to think about [which are] more important than pressure."

City will still be without Yaya Toure and Wilfried Bony, who helped Ivory Coast win the Africa Cup of Nations, when they visit Stoke on Wednesday.

They have never won a Premier League game at the Britannia Stadium and lost to Stoke at the Etihad in August, while only mustering one goal in three matches against Mark Hughes' side during Pellegrini's reign.

"They are always a very difficult team, especially playing at the Britannia," added Pellegrini. "Last season we just won here 1-0 and we drew there 0-0 so in every moment it is difficult."

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