Manchester City boss Mark Hughes is confident chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak understands how to handle the speculation that swirls around in the media.

Hughes told City's website: "He has an inkling and understanding of how it works, I think he will see that there are issues outside of the team that can have a negative effect. He's aware of that, the owner is aware of that and so are we.

"We just have to concentrate on what goes on out on the pitch and get positive results. We have good players, but collectively and individually we have let ourselves down on occasions and conceded goals. It's been difficult but we have good players and we will turn it around."