Manchester City Football Club News

• Nickname:Sky Blues
• Founded:1887
• Manager:Roberto Mancini

• Ground:City of Manchester Stadium
• Capacity:48,000

Upbeat Hughes calls for calm

10 Nov 2008 - 07:14:39

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Mark Hughes remains upbeat about his future despite Manchester City slipping to a third Premier League defeat in succession against Tottenham Hotspur.

City slipped down to 13th place in the table on the back of Sunday's 2-1 defeat at Eastlands and Hughes' misery was compounded by the dismissals of Gelson Fernandes and captain Richard Dunne.

After the latest defeat Hughes' position has come under scrutiny just 20 games into his reign, but the former Blackburn Rovers boss insists he remains positive about future following talks with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak.

Hughes is also set to fly out to Dubai this week for further talks about his plans for the January transfer window with club owner Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

"I have had some great meetings with the chairman. He was at my house last night and we had discussions about the future and where we want to take the club. It was very positive," he revealed.

"He understands the situation we are in at the moment. He is realistic. He knows injuries and suspensions have played a part. The key is to be stronger in future."

Meanwhile, Hughes was unhappy with referee Mike Dean after he sent off Fernandes for two yellow before red-carding Dunne for a professional foul.

"The referee should have been prepared to take the conditions into account," said Hughes of the driving rain which resulted in a number of errors during the game.

"I thought Gelson's second yellow card was harsh as the referee should have given him the benefit of the doubt.

"As for Dunne's sending-off, it was a coming together of bodies and you hope common sense would prevail given the difficult conditions. But again Mr Dean was not prepared to do that."