Responding to rumors that Malaga’s Manuel Pellegrini could replace him as Manchester City coach next season, Roberto Mancini let loose with an expletive during a Thursday press conference: “F***ing hell!” he said. "I cannot continue to answer about this every week. I don't understand the reason for this - why would Manchester City change their manager? For which reasons?”

The Italian then launched a defense of his record: "In the last 18 months after 2011 since Manchester United won the Premier League and we won the FA Cup, there were seven trophies (to play for) and Manchester City won three of those," he said, referring to the league, FA Cup and Community shield. "I'm not the chairman or CEO, if you want to ask these questions maybe ask them."

Manchester City is 12 points behind leader Manchester United in the English Premier League and out of European competition after finishing last in UEFA Champions League Group D. The club also lost in Round 4 of the Capital Cup to Aston Villa in September, but it is still alive in the FA Cup, where it meets Barnsley in the quarterfinals.