Nigel Pearson says he is still manager of Leicester City despite reports, subsequently denied by the Premier League strugglers, of his sacking.

"I am, today, managing this club as I have been for the last three-and-three-quarter years," the 51-year-old told a press conference on Monday.

Speaking on the eve of his club's game against Arsenal he added: "I understand the interest and you wanting to ask questions, but I have loyalties to the people I work for, my staff and the players, which really is more important to me than trying to clarify things for a story which was based on speculation."

Pearson was giving his first public reaction to Sunday's confusion when Leicester issued a statement denying reports on Sky Sports News that he had been fired.

Pearson led the Midlands side to the Championship title last season but the Foxes have taken just 17 points from their opening 24 league games this term and are currently rooted to the foot of the table.

His cause was not helped by Saturday's 1-0 loss at home to Crystal Palace.

But he says he expects to be in charge for the rest of the season.

"I've had conversations, absolutely," he said when asked if he had received reassurances about his job.

"I am always happy to take the responsibility that being a manager brings.

"The club made a statement and I'm not going to speak about it.

"We have a game tomorrow and it's important my focus, and the focus of the players, is on what we can do tomorrow night rather than talk about something I'm not prepared to talk about.

"I always have a very good working relationship with the owners and I'm sure I will moving forward.

"If I have got things to say I will say it in the appropriate manner to the appropriate people.

"In an ideal world I would rather the story not be out there. I had an interesting Sunday."