Hughes backed by City chairman

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has been told he has the “highest regard” of the Premier League club's Abu Dhabi owners by chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak.

The two men met before the 2-1 home defeat by Tottenham on Sunday – a result that meant City had won just one of their last seven league games and were now just one point above the relegation zone.

But Al Mubarak, who saw that match, insisted suggestions former Wales and Blackburn boss Hughes's position was under threat were ridiculous.

We are calm and under control and we on the board have the highest regard for Mark,” he told the club's website, mcfc.co.uk, on Monday.

“I am personally committed to him as I am committed to the partnership between executive chairman Garry Cook, Mark and myself.

“This is a winning team that is going through a learning curve right now.

“Thankfully I do not read the newspapers that are saying he is under pressure but I find it incredible.

“I am told that there are reports that we are associated with two different coaches and that we are about to sign them. It is rubbish.”

Hughes, speaking after Suday's loss, said: “The chairman, Khaldoon al-Mubarak, was over at my house last night and we had a great meeting.

Al Mubarak also said Monday that he and the Abu Dhabi United Group were committed to a 10-year plan for City and would put funds in place to bring in new players during the January transfer window.

“While January is going to be an interesting opportunity for Mark to improve the team, this is an exciting dynasty we are building and we are only in the first two months.

“I think people will see then that we have good foundations in place in the team, we have a good coach and that we will be upgrading in terms of players. Hopefully the results will come.”

Meanwhile the Football Association have confirmed that City captain Richard Dunne and Gelson Fernandes, both sent-off against Tottenham, will receive one-match bans, meaning they will miss Sunday's league match against Hull.