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Manuel Pellegrini on Manchester City's slump: 'It is my responsibility'

Jason Cairnduff / Reuters

Manchester City's 4-2 loss to Manchester United on Sunday marked the first time they've lost to their crosstown rivals in over two years, heightening concerns over the club's well-being.

In the span of a month, City have lost three of their last four Premier League matches, dropped to fourth in the league table, and were eliminated from the Champions League at the merciless hands of Barcelona.

It's a slump that City supporters have become unaccustomed to over recent seasons, and manager Manuel Pellegrini shouldered the blame for his side's struggles following Sunday's defeat.

"It is my responsibility and the only way we can change this is by winning games," Pellegrini said, according to BBC Sport. "I am not talking about my position."

He added: 

The only way to explain our run is that we don't have the results. We lost many points, not only in this game which was a very difficult one, but in others too. We played very well for 20 minutes but we must not play just for 20 minutes, we must play for the whole game in the same way.

We are concerned but now we must try to win the next game at home to West Ham. We have been first or second the whole year and now we are fourth but United and Arsenal have to play against Chelsea. We have 18 more points to play for. We must not be dramatic.

Here's a glance at City's remaining fixtures this season:

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