Pearce perplexed by Coleman sacking

Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce cannot understand why Chris Coleman has been sacked by Fulham.

Coleman was axed in the wake of City's 3-1 win at Craven Cottage, which left Fulham looking nervously over their shoulders at the relegation zone.

"I can't understand it and I have spoken to a lot of people connected with the game, managers and coaches, and they can't understand it either," said Pearce.

He added: "It seems to mirror society in a way. It is a little bit of a gut reaction. But then again, I base my personal life on being consistent over a length of time. Personally, I find it quite strange Chris Coleman has been moved on."

The Cottagers' instant decision contrasts sharply with the attitude of City chairman John Wardle, who refused to bow to calls for Pearce's head and has been rewarded with a run of three wins and a draw from the Blues' last four games which has virtually guaranteed top-flight status next season.

Pearce confirmed Micah Richards would miss Saturday's encounter with Liverpool after failing to recover from an ankle injury.

Veteran midfielder Dietmar Hamann could be available to face his former club after his own ankle problem.