Manuel Pellegrini has made it clear that he has not lost control at Manchester City since Pep Guardiola was appointed as his replacement.

The Bayern Munich boss will take the reins at the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season, which has prompted plenty of positivity among the City faithful, but has appeared to have had an adverse effect on the playing group.

City have won just one of their past five in all competitions and one in their past six league outings, raising questions about Pellegrini's current tenure, but the Chilean was remaining defiant in the wake of Sunday's 1-0 Manchester derby loss to United.

"I don't think that I lose any control," Pellegrini said.

"If you see the attitude of the team today, it reflects that we are involved in what we want to do.

"Of course it is not the best way to finish the season and maybe one thing is linked with the other one, but I repeat I am happy with the attitude.

"The players are focused in this season and want to finish as near the top of the table as we can."

Fourth-placed City are now just one point ahead of fifth-placed West Ham United and sixth-placed United with eight fixtures remaining.