Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has attempted to alleviate the pressure on his shoulders by insisting that it is "impossible" to win trophies every year.

The North-West outfit are due to end the campaign without silverware, despite sealing their second Premier League title in three years last season.

Widespread reports have suggested that Pellegrini will be sacked by City in the summer, but the Chilean coach believes that it would be an achievement to finish second in the table due to the competitiveness of the league.

"We cannot win trophies every year," Pellegrini told reporters. "It's impossible, especially this year. Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool spent more money and they have very strong squads.

"I don't think it is a bad position or there is shame to be in second place for this squad. Maybe I can complain about other things this season - the way we lost in the FA Cup and League Cup, but in the Premier League it's not easy to be in second place when you have five or six strong teams."

City are 10 points adrift of leaders Chelsea.