It is easy to understand why Manuel Pellegrini is unconcerned about continuing media speculation that he could be sacked by Manchester City at the end of what is proving to be a disappointing season for the Champions.

City go into Sunday's derby against an in-form Man United on the back of five defeats in seven games and while it has a seven-point lead over fifth-place Liverpool, finishing fourth would mean playing a potential banana skin Champions League qualifier to reach the group stage.

The sack is a lucrative occupational hazard even for top managers and does not seem to affect their future job chances. Pellegrini was dismissed by Real Madrid after one year in 2010 and left Bernabeu Stadium with a £3.5 million compensation payout.