In fact he claims he thrives in the pressure-cooker atmosphere of football at the top level.

He believes the experience he gained as a player - particularly at Manchester United - as well as being manager of Wales and Blackburn makes him well equipped to face the challenge of being City's boss.

It is quite a challenge as well given the dramatic events of this week off the field.

Owner Thaksin Shinawatra's decision to return to England and seek refuge rather than face corruption charges in Thailand sparked turmoil at the club.

While executive chairman Garry Cook moved to allay fears that there are serious financial worries, Hughes still felt obliged to clarify his own position amid talk of internal conflict.

Hughes is now concentrating on the job in hand, starting with the second qualifying round round first leg match against FC Midtjylland at Eastlands tonight.

He said: "I have no problems with my situation. I have come here to make sure a fantastic club is successful in the future.

"Being in the spotlight is not something I am unaware of or have never experienced.

"The spotlight in my playing career was always there and as a national manager you had the nation's hopes pinned on you.

"And when you are in the Premier League like I have been the spotlight is on you all the time.

"I am a football person and just want the games to start. I have come here with ambition and am aiming to take the club forward. That is the message I want to get through."

Hughes is expecting a tough test from the Danish league leaders and said: "They are good opposition who are playing well at the moment.

"It will be a big test for us and not a walkover as some people might be in danger of thinking.

"They are a big, strong physical side, who have eight guys over six feet and we have to match that.

"We want to progress and feel if get into the latter stages we have the quality in the squad to go right to the end. That's the aim."