Man City boss Manuel Pellegrini safe from the sack as long as they remain runners-up

Manuel Pellegrini will only face the sack by Manchester City this summer if his reigning Premier League champions finish outside the top two, writes Steve Bates in the Sunday People.

That's the scenario facing the City boss with the Blues' Abu Dhabi owners deciding to stick with Chilean coach Pellegrini next season, unless there's an end of season meltdown over the remaining eight games.

While disappointed at an unconvincing league season, Pellegrini is unlikely to be sacked if he guides his expensively assembled stars to second place.

Finishing third would, however, trigger an uncomfortable inquest for the South American and his job would be under severe threat if Arsenal or Manchester United pipped City to second place.

Anything less than a top three finish would mean instant dismissal for Pellegrini, who is more likely to be judged on the Premier League campaign rather than events in the Champions League.

Senior City sources insist the club's hierarchy have no appetite to ditch Pellegrini on the basis of another Champions League failure.

...TheMirror