Roberto Mancini: 'I have backing of Manchester City's owners'

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini believes that he still has the backing of the club's owners.

The Italian has endured a difficult campaign after being knocked out of the Champions League at the group stage and falling 12 points behind Premier League leaders Manchester United.

However, the former Inter Milan coach has said that he still has the approval of the club's board.

"We have a good relationship. At this moment they aren't happy because when you lose you can't be happy, but I think they are happy with our job over the three years," Mancini was quoted as saying in The Mirror.

"I speak with Khaldoon [Al Mubarak, City's chairman] every week. He likes me.

"When we lose, he has my mentality he is upset and disappointed, but that is normal.

"After you lose, you cannot be happy for 24 hours and after that you need to think about the future."

City entertain Leeds United in the FA Cup on Sunday.