Quique Sanchez Flores believes Manuel Pellegrini's time at Manchester City could be near the end with Pep Guardiola looming 

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Quique Sanchez Flores is Manuel Pellegrini’s biggest fan, but believes the Manchester City manager may just have to accept that his time at the club is coming to an end.

The Watford boss faces Pellegrini’s side at Vicarage Road on Saturday knowing a victory will move them within four points of last year’s Premier League runners-up.

Pellegrini’s position beyond the end of this season has become uncertain since Pep Guardiola announced his decision to leave Bayern Munich when his contract expires and it is thought that City owner Sheikh Mansour wants him to take over.

Quique Sanchez Flores believes Manuel Pellegrini's time at Manchester City could be coming to an end

Pellegrini is under pressure because of continuous reports linking Pep Guardiola to his job

Sanchez Flores considers Pellegrini one of the best managers in the world and has modelled his own football on him, but said: ‘It’s football, you need to accept sometimes your period is finished and other periods are coming. Pellegrini up until the last minute for sure he will work very hard and stay strong and focused.

‘You can’t do anything. You can only manage your team while the rumours say it’ s a done deal or the coach is coming. You can’t do anything. 

'Accept the situation, be confident to transmit to the players you are a good professional, so you can keep focus in the team, and for sure Pellegrini now is still thinking about winning the Premier League.’

Gaurdiola has been linked with Pellegrini's role at City after confirming his impending Bayern Munich exit

Sanchez Flores believes all that Pellegrini will focus on is winning the league with City this season

He added: ‘He can live comfortably with this kind of situation. It’s football. With coaches and managers it sometimes happens. You feel that sometimes the project is (coming to an end). 

'I think he’s not worried about that. He’s confident with his work. I love how he manages the team, he’s a very simple man, always confident.’