Manuel Pellegrini remains unconcerned about his job security, as Manchester City's crucial UEFA Champions League showdown in Barcelona looms.
The Premier League champions face an uphill challenge at Camp Nou, having lost the first leg 2-1 last month, with Gael Clichy's sending off hampering chances of gaining a draw.
It sparked the start of a difficult run for City, who have since lost to both Liverpool and Burnley in the league, leading to speculation over the Chilean's future at the Etihad Stadium.
However, in a week where he dismissed fears he would be sacked, Pellegrini told reporters on Tuesday: "You don't know the kind of confidence my players have in me.
"All teams go through bad moments and we will try to do our best with dedication, conviction and hard work.
"I will talk about [if I’m a failure] after the game. Obviously it’s going to be a difficult game but we will try to win.
"I respect all opinions but I don't think my status is in danger at the moment and if it was I would do exactly the same and focus on trying to play the right game tomorrow.
"It's a very important game for me. It's an important game for the club too because obviously after losing the first leg it's going to be very difficult. We've got a good team that can produce a good work-rate too and we'll try to win it and get through.
"It's a good opportunity to prove we are one of the best teams in Europe and the only way to do that is to beat big teams like Barcelona."
Pellegrini also tipped Yaya Toure – returning from suspension - to play a key role in Wednesday's last-16 second leg as the Ivorian faces his former club.
"I always say that we can play without Yaya and win without Yaya but if you ask me I prefer to have him in my team," Pellegrini added.
"He's an important player for us and tomorrow he will have an important game.
"We must play the way we did in the second half but most important for me is that we play well. In the other games [against Barca] last year we played with ten men.
"I'm not complaining about the sending off because I think that was the right decision but tomorrow I hope we can play 11 against 11."