• 'Nothing has changed' says Khaldoon Al Mubarak • 'Mark has been under pressure from outside the club'

This article is more than 11 years old

This article is more than 11 years old

The Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has confirmed Mark Hughes will remain as the manager next season.

Hughes' position has been the subject of speculation since the Abu Dhabi United Group, headed by Sheikh Mansour, became the owners in September last year.

Al Mubarak was keen to make a statement about the manager before City's last match of the season on Sunday against Bolton Wanderers at Eastlands.

"I have been surprised at all the speculation because I have always been consistent with everyone on the subject of the manager," he said.

"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."

Al Mubarak is convinced City will improve next season.

"This is a club that has had 10 managers in 15 years and changes of ownership," said the chairman. "It is hard to believe we have ever had a real pre-season.

"This time we will have that and will do so with a year's experiences behind us and that will make us stronger. Next year is going to be better than this one. The club has a lot more stability."