Ruud Van Nistelrooy is set for crunch talks over his future - warning that he needs to be ‘on the same page’ as his employers. City’s boss could have the unwanted stigma of a relegation on his Curriculum Vitae this weekend - even before a ball is kicked at the King Power Stadium on Sunday.

After a horrendous run of two victories in 19 matches in charge, the writing has been on the wall for some time. It could be confirmed ahead of the visit of - and the former marksman knows that his position will be under scrutiny.

But he says he knows what work needs to be carried out - and is after some reassurance from his paymasters that he will be backed to deliver it.

He said: “I know what I want my future to look like. I’m very clear. I have learnt a lot in the past four months, in terms of every aspect of the club and team. I know what’s necessary. Then, of course, it’s a matter of being aligned with the club. I’m waiting for that conversation to take place.

“It’s important to make a good evaluation. Because of the experience I’ve had, I know what’s necessary. You have to be on the same page to move forward. That’s what’s important. And that’s what we have to find out.

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"It’s important to have those conversations internally. But I won’t share this before they take place.”

However, it appears that it is by no means guaranteed that van Nistelrooy will stay on. Pressed on the issue, he said: “It’s important to maintain the person you are. That’s important. I have standards that I think a football club should live by - and I’m sticking to that, no matter what happens.

“That’s a challenge when results are not going your way. To change or do things differently, I will stick to my beliefs - and I will do to the end.”

Van Nistelrooy has actually beaten boss twice during clashes in Holland. But asked about the news that has committed his future to the club, he sees the Egyptian’s contribution as being key to their title charge.

He said: “Salah’s form has been a huge factor in them achieving their goals and where they are now. He’s a winger. Scoring 27 and assisting so many is a remarkable feat, but it’s his consistency that has impressed me most.

“I say that, but he’s been doing this now at this level for the past decade. His levels of fitness, it’s elite standards. You can see that and he’s proving it every week.”

And of Slot’s feat in leading the Reds to the title, he added: “As a fellow manager - and I know him personally as well - it’s a hell of an achievement if they win the league in his first season.”

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