Manuel Pellegrini sure he will stay on as Manchester City manager

Manuel Pellegrini has "no doubt" he will be Manchester City manager next season, despite failing to win any silverware this year.

Second-placed City wrapped up their Premier League campaign with a sixth-successive victory, beating Southampton 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium thanks to goals from Frank Lampard and Sergio Aguero.

Pellegrini's future was the subject of heavy speculation in March and April but, asked whether he expects to be in charge next season, the Chilean said: "I never have any doubt. We know that we must improve as a team. It is a club that wants to grow every year and improve every year. 

"I don't need a special meeting [with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak], but when you finish the season you must analyse what you did, see what were our mistakes and where we must improve."

Pellegrini was also asked about the futures of James Milner and Yaya Toure, who have been linked with moves away from the Etihad this summer and received warm applause when they were substituted in the second half against Saints.

"I think the only player that said goodbye was Frank Lampard," said Pellegrini. "Yaya returned in the last game after an injury of 15 days. He finished very tired and he couldn't finish the last game either. I didn't want him to have some muscle injuries and that is why I changed him.

"Milner had an important kick in his knee, that is why he couldn't finish the game. We will see, not only for those two names, who will stay here or not. That was not the reason why they were changed.

"James said he was taking the decision at the end of the season. He is a very important player and he gave us a lot of spirit in this year, but he must decide what is better for him."

Lampard's strike was his 259th on his 882nd appearance in English club football and he now heads off to join New York City after receiving a standing ovation from all sides of the ground.

"It was very important to finish the season in front of our fans by winning the game and it was also important for Frank," said Pelligrini. "It makes a difference if you win.

"I think he deserves the farewell all our fans gave him in the stadium. It was very important also for him to score.

"I think it was the perfect afternoon and perfect goodbye for him. He deserves it for his brilliant career and being a great person."