Former Manchester City striker Niall Quinn has claimed that manager Manuel Pellegrini is damaging his reputation by refusing to change his tactics.
City have lost their last two games to Barcelona and Liverpool respectively in the past week, and Pellegrini has come under fire for his insistence on using a 4-4-2 formation.
Quinn told Sky Sports News: "The way they set themselves up has not done them any favours. He has not adapted to the changing fortunes of his team, the age profile of his team and their ability to go and win this title again.
"He was an excellent choice as manager, he put all the fires out, he brought harmony to these great players and they looked a team. But he has to adapt and change as the needs change. That's what Brendan Rodgers has done so successfully. Rodgers has trumped him today with his system and way of playing that Pellegrini's 4-4-2 looked old and stale.
"His reputation is damaged and it's damaged more by him defending it in the interview. He has got to learn to adapt and play one up front."
City next face Leicester City on Wednesday.