Francesco Guidolin insists no news is good news as he battles to avoid an abrupt end to his tenure as Swansea City manager.

The Italian says he has not heard from the club’s board of directors, either to reassure him of his position – or to discuss the beginning of the end.

Guidolin saw his lose team 3-1 at home to Premier League leaders Manchester City on Saturday to remain just a point above the relegation zone.

The performance was an improvement on recent displays and Guidolin insists an upturn in results is not far from coming.

He said: “I know the world of football and I know my job. For me, what is important is to work hard with my team, who have a good relationship with the players.

“If the board have something to say, it is easy, they can just call me. No problem.

“If we play in this way, we have a good future. I know after four, five and six defeats it is not easy, but I am confident because I saw this afternoon my players play a good game.”

Guidolin said referee Neil Swarbrick’s decision to award Pep Guardiola’s team a penalty in the second half was the turning point. Mike van der Hoorn was penalised on his league debut for a foul on Kevin De Bruyne with the score 1-1 at the Liberty Stadium.

Sergio Aguero converted for his second goal of the game, and Raheem Sterling added Man City’s third late on to wrap up the three points.

When asked if the penalty decision changed the game, the Swansea manager said: “Yes, of course, because after it was 2-1 and before the penalty we had some situations to score and to have the advantage.

“The penalty was decisive because the third goal, on the counter attack, was not important.

“We played a very good game and for an hour we were at the same level as Man City. After they scored from the penalty we played well again until the end.

“I am proud of my players because today we played the same level as Man City and Man City are the best team in the Premier League. It is not easy against this opponent.”