Chelsea could not have stopped me taking the Manchester City job, says new manager Hughes

The former Wales coach was confirmed as the new City boss yesterday, after speculation that the London club could be ready to step in and hijack the deal proved unfounded. 

"Once Manchester City made their intentions known I was very focused on getting the opportunity to come to the club," he said.  

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Talking the talk: Hughes conducts his first press conference as City boss

"From the time their intention was shown, I had the opportunity to speak to Garry (Cook, executive chairman) and members of the board, and it's been very quick and very clear to me that there is a huge project here that I want to be part of, so it was an easy decision."  

Hughes, who is to bring a number of his backroom staff from Blackburn, revealed he had already spoken to controversial club owner Thaksin Shinawatra.  

"He wished me well. I had a brief conversation with him and he's very excited by his ambition for the club."  

With Brazilians Jo and Ronaldinho both linked to the club in recent days, Hughes said: "There's a lot of talk about the quality of players that can come here. If they're available at the right price I will be interested."  

Of his time at Blackburn, he added: "I had a fantastic time at Blackburn.  

"It was difficult on occasions with the amount of finance available - I knew limit to how far I could take club and it's a case now that I'm at club that can match my ambitions."

Hughes was adamant he would thrive on the pressure to succeed at City.  

Club owner Thaksin demonstrated his ruthless streak by dismissing Sven-Goran Eriksson this week, one year into a three-year deal, despite leading the club to a top-10 finish. 

"There is always pressure, every Premier League manager is under pressure. It's a results-driven business and you are judged on results and the key decisions you take," he added at the press conference broadcast on Sky Sports News. 

"It doesn't faze me - it's something you have to work with and you have to thrive on it."

  Asked to describe his management style, Hughes said: "My passion and my drive is there for all to see. If you see how my teams play you see that the work that I do has a positive impact, and that is what I'm trying to bring to Man City. 

"I'll back my ability against most managers in the Premier League and I have already intimated that I think my management team is one of the best in the Premier League, and I think we can make an impact here. if I didn't think that I wouldn't have come here. 

"I'm very demanding (with players) on a day-to-day basis and I expect a certain level to be attained.   "I'm consistent with players, they know exactly how far they can go. Once they understand my philosophy, if they embrace that they will thrive."

Hughes confirmed he will target European silverware as well as domestic success.

"My ambition is to take the club forward - I've been at a club that has had three top 10 finishes and three cup semi-finals and I want to move on from that and start winnning trophies," he said.  

"The ambition of the club is to challentge at the top table - not only in this country but in Europe.  

"If we can get the right players in the right positions, it's more than realistic."