London - Manchester City confirmed on Monday that Mark Hughes will be the club's manager next season. Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak ended speculation that Hughes could be fired after failing to lead the side to a place in next season's Europa League.
"I have been surprised at all the speculation because I have always been consistent with everyone on the subject of the manager," Mubarak told the Manchester Evening News.
"Every time I have spoken I have said we have the highest confidence in Mark and I would like to reiterate that now. Mark will be our manager next season; nothing has changed.
"It has been a difficult season with all the rumours about Mark's future and the number of players we have been linked with.
"There has been incredible and unnecessary pressure put on Mark from outside the club. From my perspective, I think we have come a long way and I am looking for a big finish to the season.
"We have accomplished things since January and now we can start focusing on next season."
