Roberto Mancini is fighting for his job at Manchester City.

The Guardian says the Italian needs a convincing finish to the season to strengthen his case for a new contract.

Although there will be no kneejerk reaction from Sheikh Mansour, the City owner, or the chairman, Khaldoon al-Mubarak, who admire the Italian, Mancini is conscious that a further capitulation by his side would leave his long-term job prospects in the balance.

Formal talks between the club's hierarchy and Mancini regarding a new deal have always been scheduled to commence at the end of the season, in May. Mancini's contract has only a year remaining.