"Sir Alex Ferguson didn't win the title for 11 years"

The Manchester City boss pleaded the media to be given time to build his team and cited former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson as his inspiration, who didn't win his first Premier League title until 11 years into his time at Old Trafford.

 "Sir Alex Ferguson, my idol, didn't win the title for 11 years. Liverpool haven't won it for 25 years.

"The last month I have to accept the results have not gone well. But we have to improve what I believe, not change what I believe. When it doesn't work, you have to be strong.

"I have to accept the opinions of former players, the media, the fans because we didn't win - but I wish and hope they will give me a little more time.

"Long-term projects do not exist in football. You have to win immediately and if you don't win, you are in trouble.

"Then another guy has to be in charge because you have to win. The boss and the chairman are going to decide.

"You have to minimise mistakes to win games but I believe in the way I like to play, so I'm sorry, I can't do that (change)".