London - Manchester City's owners insisted Monday that they support manager Mark Hughes, despite a string of poor results.

City lost 2-1 at home to Tottenham on Sunday, their seventh defeat of the season seeing them slide to 13th in the table.

"We are calm and under control, and we on the board have the highest regard for Mark," said chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak after the first meeting of the new City board.

City was bought by a consortium representing the Abu Dhabi royal family in September.

They have already financed the purchase of Brazilian forward Robinho, and are expected to bring in further signings in the January transfer window.

"This is a winning team that is going through a learning curve right now.

"While January is going to be an interesting opportunity for Mark to improve the team, this is an exciting 10-year dynasty that we are building and we are only in the first two months," al-Mubarak said.

"Thankfully I do not read the newspapers that are saying (Hughes) is under pressure but I find it incredible. Just today I am told that there are reports that we are associated with two different coaches and that we are about to sign them.

"It is rubbish. I am committed to Mark and his team and I think people will see in January that we have good foundations in place in the team, we have a good coach and we will be upgrading in terms of players. Hopefully the results will come." (dpa)