Pep Guardiola admits success has bought him breathing room at City

Pep Guardiola believes his past record has saved him from the sack at Manchester City.

But the City manager insists he will not "run away" and accepts the responsibility to turn around the club's current poor run rests on his shoulders.

City had lost five games in succession – their worst run since 2006 – before suffering further calamity on Tuesday when they surrendered a 3-0 lead in the last 15 minutes to draw with Feyenoord.

With the champions now facing a tough trip to Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday, Guardiola recognises the pressure and the stakes are high.

The Spaniard, who has won 18 trophies in his time at the Etihad Stadium and signed a two-year contract extension only last week, said: "At this football club you have to win and if you don’t win, you will be in trouble.

"I know the people say, 'Why is Pep not in trouble, why is Pep not sacked?’ What we have done the last eight years is why I have this margin.

"The people rely on me, the hierarchy, the people. It is not normal in the big clubs to do the results we have but we have to accept it.

"What’s for sure I want to stay, I want to do it. But the moment I feel I am not positive for the club another one will come. It has to be."

City have been hampered by a raft of injuries this season, most pertinently to midfield linchpin and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, who is expected to miss the remainder of the campaign.

Guardiola said: "We lost five games, drew the last one when we should have won, but it happens in football sometimes.

"A lot can happen and it’s happened. Don’t think much, go to the principles and when you live it, accept it – accept it and challenge it.

"No complaining, no blaming, no pointing – don’t run away from your responsibility. I have absolutely