Southampton boss Claude Puel has said that Pep Guardiola has not changed his philosophy throughout his managerial career.
City are without a win in four games in all competitions, and Guardiola has received mixed reviews for his insistence on playing the ball out from the back.
However, ahead of Southampton's trip to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, Puel has suggested that his opposite number will have no intention of changing his tactics in the near future.
Puel told reporters: "I managed against Pep early in his career and he has not changed his philosophy.
"It is normal for him to continue this way and he has tried it in Spain, Germany and England. He has very good players to play this game and it is a pleasure to see his team."
Southampton travel to the North-West seven points adrift of leaders City in the Premier League table.