Mark Hughes has no bitterness towards former club Manchester City

Mark Hughes is excited by the prospect of playing his former club as Stoke City take on leaders Manchester City this weekend.

Hughes says there are no hard feelings over his dismissal as City manager in 2009 and he admitted that he feared for his job when the club was taken over by Sheikh Mansour.

The Welshman said: "I've no bitterness towards City. I wasn't really their guy. I was appointed by another group of people so when that group changed, if I'm honest, it was only a matter of time before I got replaced.

"Looking back I probably lasted as long as I could."

City have continued to develop since Hughes' departure and Manuel Pellegrini's men have enjoyed an incredibly successful period, which has included two Premier League titles in three seasons.

Hughes added: "There was a desire and will from the owners to really try to move it on very, very quickly - probably more quickly than I thought initially.

"It doesn't surprise me that amount of finance has been thrown at it. They have ability now because they are viewed as a world club, whereas previously, when I was there, it was a mid-table Premier League club if we're honest.

"The change that has taken place is unprecedented. It's a completely different club from when I was there."

The Potters have not beaten City on home soil since 2009 and have suffered seven defeats against the Citizens in all competitions since this victory.

Stoke are 12th in the Premier League and have the opportunity to inflict a fourth defeat of the season on Pellegrini's side.

Hughes said: "It is always a challenge in the Premier League, especially when you are playing not only the top team in England but also one of the top teams in Europe.

"They have invested in the squad heavily and they have top quality players in every position on the pitch."