Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini was forced to respond to sack claims after defeat at Burnley. TV pundit Jamie Redknapp claimed it was the type of performance that could get a manager the sack, but Pellegrini - who is coming under increasing pressure - refused to criticise his side.

He said: "It was a normal performance. I don't think we played very bad. We had three or four chances. Burnley had just one shot on target and scored one goal, but we need to create more chances.

"I don't think we created the amount of chances we need to score goals."

When it was suggested the performance should not be acceptable, Pellegrini, speaking in his post-match press conference, said: "I said it was a normal performance. We will try to improve and we must do it."

On Redknapp's remarks he said: "I accept any different opinions of all people."