Manager Manuel Pellegrini takes responsibility for Manchester City's derby defeat

Manuel Pellegrini

Manchester, April 13 (IANS)

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini accepted full responsibility for his ailing side's dismal derby defeat to Manchester United in the Premier League here.

The fallen champions crashed 2-4 at Old Trafford, the latest in a string of miserable results in 2015.

“I always think it is my responsibility, always. It was a clear result for Man United. We didn't defend well, especially for their goals, and they started playing with a lot of trust and they were clear winners,” Pellegrini was quoted as saying by FIFA.com on Sunday.

City have now lost six of their last eight games in all competitions and have won just four from 12 in the league since pulling level with Chelsea at the top on New Year's Day.

When the 61-year-old was asked how the team could change their fortunes, he said, “By winning. That is the only way. I am not talking about my position. It is not important.”

City now find themselves fourth in the standings and, rather than looking upwards, perhaps face a battle to retain a Champions League spot ahead of the likes of Southampton or Liverpool.

Pellegrini insisted he was not thinking that way.

“We are concerned about trying to win the next game. We have to play six games more. We have been the whole year in first or second position and maybe in the last week, losing these two games, we are in fourth.”