Former Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce believes Pep Guardiola could resign from the side if they continue to struggle.
Despite penning a new contract until 2027, Pearce questioned the likelihood of the Spaniard staying at the club, should they continue to struggle.
Guardiola's side have only won once in their last ten games across all competitions
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Guardiola's side have only won once in their last ten games across all competitionsCredit: Getty
Man City have lacked key names in their squad through injury struggles this season
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Man City have lacked key names in their squad through injury struggles this seasonCredit: Getty
Speaking on talkSPORT's Weekend Sports Breakfast, Pearce said he 'could see' Guardiola stepping down from his post as Man City boss.
"It's employment, it's a career. You've got to get happiness within the workplace and he might look to one or two of his close family members who may say, 'Pep, come on now, you're not the man you once were, is it time to step away from it?'
"Everyone in their own lives suffers pressure. Pressure to pay mortgages, pressure outside, you name it there's a multitude of pressures.
"In football, you're carrying the hopes and dreams of thousands of people and staff members.
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"Bear in mind that you've brought in people to work alongside you that are going to lose their jobs as well".
Speaking about Sunday's Manchester derby, Pearce said he although it was difficult to call, he added: "I don't think Man United will win the game.
"That's a result I can call. I think Man City will find something in their champions mentality and make sure they do not get beaten in this game.
"Whether they see a draw as being a very average result for both teams, potentially that could be the case. Both of them will come away maybe with a point.
"They might think 'this hasn't helped either of us to be quite honest," Pearce concluded.
Pearce was in charge of Man City from 2005 to 2007 and led them to finishing 15th in the Premier League, losing nine of their last ten matches in the 2005/06 season.
Pearce looked after Man City for two seasons before moving to the England under-21s
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Pearce looked after Man City for two seasons before moving to the England under-21sCredit: Getty
The following season, City came close to relegation under Pearce and scored just ten goals in home fixtures across the season, and none after New Year's Day in 2007.
This set a top-flight record and ultimately, Pearce was sacked at the end of the campaign.
Pearce went onto lead the England under-21s and then Team GB's Olympic football team for the London 2012 Games.
Thereafter, he took up managerial positions at Nottingham Forest in 2014 and then as an assistant to David Moyes at West Ham United three years later.
Man City host local rivals Man United at the Etihad on Sunday, with both sides struggling to find consistent form.
The clash is also Ruben Amorim's first derby, although his last encounter with Pep Guardiola saw his Portuguese Sporting side thrash Man City 4-1 in the Champions League.