Manchester City

[mrbojangles]

I think you are probably right Carms. I can't wait until the real story comes out in the open.....if ever.

[StevieH]

Very happy with the performance last night. Could easily have been a cricket score. Reading were extremely quick on the break but we contained them defensively and we played some really lovely stuff up their end.

A lot of the City fans singing Mancini songs all the way through the game but it didn't seem to affect the players one iota.

I have a feeling Mancini had lost the entire dressing room. Worse still, they had grown to really dislike him. I might be wrong though.

First rule of management Mr Mancini. Don't do your bollockings in public. Do them behind closed doors. For a manager earning 7.5m a year he was at times remarkably amateur

when you think back to how bad that training ground scrap with balotelli looked you have to conclude it was a matter of time really.

[mrbojangles]

David Platt leaves Manchester City assistant manager role

Manchester City have announced that David Platt has left his role as assistant manager at the club.

Platt's departure follows the sacking of manager Roberto Mancini.

Former England midfielder Platt, 46, was offered the chance to stay on at City, but turned it down. "With regret Manchester City announce that David Platt has this afternoon left his role as assistant manager at the club," read a statement published on City's website on Tuesday.

"David was offered the opportunity to continue his work with us but has declined the invitation. He has decided to leave his role with his close friend Roberto Mancini."

Full story:- http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22533727

[StevieH]

i'd love to know what david platt actually does. his time as forest manager was an absolute disaster and he was a joke in italy with sampdoria. seems to be the worst kind of yes man.

[mrbojangles]

seems to be the worst kind of yes man.

Which is why I'm glad he said "no" to City's offer

[mrbojangles]

Forgot to mention earlier. That win last night secured our 2nd place. Now it's down to Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs to sort out who comes in 3rd and 4th.

Apart from those games, the last day of the season is gonna be a bit boring this year as everything else is now sorted out.

[uptheos]

City played some nice stuff and it could have been embarrassing for Reading, but they took their foot off the pedal. In fairness it was the men against the boys, which was to be expected, I'm sure no-one thought Reading would possibly beat them. Now they can move forward without a boss who sulks and throws his arms around like a disappointed un-tipped Italian waiter. I wish Pellinguini all the best, he doesn't really have a class act to follow.

[mrbojangles]

City played some nice stuff and it could have been embarrassing for Reading, but they took their foot off the pedal. In fairness it was the men against the boys, which was to be expected, I'm sure no-one thought Reading would possibly beat them. Now they can move forward without a boss who sulks and throws his arms around like a disappointed un-tipped Italian waiter. I wish Pellinguini all the best, he doesn't really have a class act to follow.

Where you not keen on Mancini then Ups

[redrus]

I liked Mancini.

redrus

[JacknDanny]

I liked Mancini.

redrus

[redrus]

I liked Mancini.

redrus

Sorry.

redrus

[mrbojangles]

I'm starting to warm to Pelligrini. Must admit to not knowing much about him but I've been doing some digging. This is a pretty good article to show the sort of guy he is. From Andt West of the BBC http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22529972

Manuel Pellegrini: Can 'The Engineer' fix Manchester City?

Less than three years ago, Manuel Pellegrini was appointed to manage Malaga, a team dubbed "the Manchester City of Spain". Now, following Roberto Mancini's departure from Etihad Stadium, it appears that the 59-year-old Chilean is poised to take over the real thing.

But why have City's hierarchy decided to dispense with their Premier League and FA Cup-winning manager and potentially replace him with a man whose only trophy in Europe is the 2004 Intertoto Cup? And who is he?

Emergence at Villarreal; doomed at Madrid
Following City's appointment of chief executive Ferran Soriano and director of football Txiki Begiristain, both with roots in Barcelona, it was always likely they would follow the Spanish route for their next manager. And City's powerbrokers will be fully aware that Pellegrini's success with Malaga has been far more than a flash in the pan.

After starting his managerial career with a variety of short-lived posts in his native South America, the Chilean first moved to Europe in 2004 when he joined undistinguished Villarreal. Despite operating on a limited budget with a combination of unproven youngsters, such as Pepe Reina and Santi Cazorla, and players deemed not good enough elsewhere, like Diego Forlan and Juan Roman Riquelme, he created a team that played attractive, high-tempo, short-passing football and achieved unprecedented success.

In Pellegrini's debut campaign, Villarreal finished third, their best ever league performance. The following season they went all the way to the Champions League semi-final, knocking out Rangers and Inter Milan before losing 1-0 on aggregate against Arsenal in the last four.

They continued to flourish, finishing second in La Liga in 2008 and reaching another Champions League quarter-final in 2009, again losing to Arsenal - this time 4-1 on aggregate.

Initially Pellegrini stayed loyal to Villarreal, but he eventually departed in the summer of 2009 after being handed the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of managing Real Madrid. In hindsight, the move to the Bernabeu was destined to fail.

From the very beginning, he was undermined as the club's bosses sold two players he wanted to keep - Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben - and bought two players he did not really want - Karim Benzema, a £29m signing from Lyon, and Kaka, who cost £59m from AC Milan.

They also signed Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United for £80m and Xabi Alonso from Liverpool for £30m. He fashioned a highly credible season, leading Madrid to a club record 96 points, but with Pep Guardiola's Barcelona at their peak, that was only good enough to secure second place in La Liga. Even more damagingly for Pellegrini, Los Blancos were knocked out of the Champions League in the last 16 by Lyon, and it was no surprise when he was sacked and replaced by Jose Mourinho at the end of the season.

Malaga's rise and fall
Following his earlier achievements with Villarreal, it was inevitable that Pellegrini would soon return to work. In July 2010, previously unheralded Andalusian club Malaga were taken over by Sheikh Al Thani, a multi-millionaire from Qatar who arrived with the promise of unleashing unlimited resources to create a new European superpower, in a similar fashion to Manchester City's takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group in 2008.

The man the Sheikh chose to lead his team was Pellegrini, and the new manager was allowed to invest a fortune on a flurry of high-quality players with the challenge of building a similarly high-quality team.

In the summer of 2011, Malaga outspent every other team in La Liga - even Barcelona and Real Madrid - by lavishing a reported £50m on players such as Cazorla, Isco, Joaquin, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Nacho Monreal, Martin Demichelis and Jeremy Toulalan. For the time being, Al Thani was putting his money where his mouth was. Pellegrini delivered, turning his new team into a formidable force. A year ago, at the end of his first full season in charge, Malaga finished fourth in La Liga to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their history.

Their euphoria quickly disappeared, however, as Al Thani suddenly withdrew his funding, citing frustration at the strangling grip held on La Liga's revenues by the big two of Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Malaga were plunged into crisis. Without Al Thani's backing, their debts reportedly grew close to £84m and key players such as Cazorla, Salomon Rondon and Joris Mathijsen were sold to raise around £25m, but still the remaining squad members were regularly left unpaid.

Amid the uncertainty, Pellegrini stayed loyal and exercised calm authority to keep his squad together, somehow cajoling another strong league campaign as well as a remarkable Champions League voyage which only ended in the quarter-finals, where Malaga came within an absent offside flag of overturning Borussia Dortmund as Felipe Santana's late strike sealed a 3-2 aggregate win for the German side.

But now, with the further disincentive of a Uefa ban from next season's European competitions as a punishment for outstanding debts owed to employees and tax authorities, Malaga's season - and quite possibly their future - is unravelling fast. Pellegrini's agent has publicly acknowledged that the Chilean boss is considering his future, perturbed by the fact that his job has turned into something very different from the task he signed up for. And few could blame him.

Personality and tactics
Pellegrini's calm, diplomatic and understated personality is best illustrated by his behaviour in the build-up to and aftermath of his sacking by Real Madrid in the summer of 2010.

Despite Madrid's media launching an ugly smear campaign in an attempt to discredit the ousted manager, the Chilean bore his dismissal with calm dignity, resisting the temptation to hit back and earning respect for the professionalism and stoicism of his conduct. Pellegrini studied engineering at the end of his playing career, earning him the nickname "The Engineer", and there is an analytical, almost scientifically methodical approach to the football played by his teams, who strike a fine balance between defensive discipline and attacking flair.

A microcosm of Malaga's style under Pellegrini could be seen in the two legs of their 2-1 aggregate victory over Porto in the last 16 of this season's Champions League.

In the first leg, away from home, they were chiefly defensive, operating a rigid 4-5-1 formation and reining in their attacking instincts with the aim of keeping the tie alive for the return leg. They succeeded, only suffering a 1-0 defeat after Porto scored an offside goal. Back in Spain for the second leg, similar personnel were used but with an entirely different strategy. With key creative players Isco and Joaquin given much more positional freedom in a more flexible 4-2-3-1 set-up, Malaga played at a higher tempo and dictated the pattern of the game, but in a calm, measured manner.

There was nothing frantic or reckless about their approach to scoring the goals they needed, but their patient probing eventually saw star man Isco score a sizzling opener before Roque Santa Cruz secured a 2-0 victory to send them through to the last eight.

As he showed with those two ties against Porto, Pellegrini possesses a great deal of tactical flexibility. Operating from the base of a traditional back four, he regularly employs a wide variety of formations and strategies in midfield and attack, and throughout his career he has always harnessed skilful playmakers such as Riquelme, Cazorla and Isco.

Perhaps most importantly, Pellegrini's players are comfortable in his methods. Unlike City under Mancini, whose teams could look disjointed and confused with new systems, Malaga are always compact, coherent and organised.

Back in the big time
Pellegrini's achievements, his entertaining style of play and his likeable personality combine to ensure he is hugely respected in Spain by players, fans and the media alike.

And after the experience of his one season with Real Madrid, it is hard to deny him the opportunity of another shot at the big time.

Manchester City presents him with that opportunity and history suggests he will succeed because - with the possible exception of his difficult season at the Bernabeu - he has consistently overachieved throughout the last decade.

And there is one final factor to warm the hearts of City fans: David Moyes' best Premier League finish with Everton was fourth in 2005, but the Toffees failed to reach the Champions League group stage after losing out in the preliminary round, with a 4-2 aggregate defeat.

Their conquerors were none other than Manuel Pellegrini's Villarreal. City 1, United 0?

[uptheos]

City played some nice stuff and it could have been embarrassing for Reading, but they took their foot off the pedal. In fairness it was the men against the boys, which was to be expected, I'm sure no-one thought Reading would possibly beat them. Now they can move forward without a boss who sulks and throws his arms around like a disappointed un-tipped Italian waiter. I wish Pellinguini all the best, he doesn't really have a class act to follow.

Where you not keen on Mancini then Ups

I can appreciate the feelings of many City supporters, winning the league after so long and therefore having a certain fondness for the manager.......but you asked me a question (tongue in cheek I know)..... No I was not keen on him....and I think I have been consistent with my feelings for a very long time.

Looking forward to Pellinguini's reign, hope he has the sense to get rid of Nasri & Dzeko for starters. I understand Malaga have cleared the way for him, or is that old news? http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2324838/Manuel-Pellegrini-agrees-year-deal-Manchester-City-Malaga-reveal-coach-free-leave.html

I don't think he will have the cash to splash that Henry had.

It is old news now lol

Edited May 15, 2013 by uptheos

[MrRed]

I did say that Mancini would not last the season and i feel the same as rus..... gutted that the mincer has been given the push ....he was doing a right good job of messing you up.

Wigan did well didn't they!!

Moyes could win a trophy before the season starts

[JacknDanny]

Welcome back Red, voluntary holiday or enforced?

Anyway I doubt we will ever know the truth about what happened. The one thing I remembered from History lessons was that the victors of war are the ones who write the History.

Here is a decent article, albeit the Mirror

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/roberto-mancini-sacked-manchester-city-1889823

[MrRed]

And we have the history Jack loads of it!

Good article that i read that in my cell this morning.

[carmine]

City played some nice stuff and it could have been embarrassing for Reading, but they took their foot off the pedal. In fairness it was the men against the boys, which was to be expected, I'm sure no-one thought Reading would possibly beat them. Now they can move forward without a boss who sulks and throws his arms around like a disappointed un-tipped Italian waiter. I wish Pellinguini all the best, he doesn't really have a class act to follow.

Where you not keen on Mancini then Ups

I can appreciate the feelings of many City supporters, winning the league after so long and therefore having a certain fondness for the manager.......but you asked me a question (tongue in cheek I know)..... No I was not keen on him....and I think I have been consistent with my feelings for a very long time.

Looking forward to Pellinguini's reign, hope he has the sense to get rid of Nasri & Dzeko for starters. I understand Malaga have cleared the way for him, or is that old news? http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2324838/Manuel-Pellegrini-agrees-year-deal-Manchester-City-Malaga-reveal-coach-free-leave.html

I don't think he will have the cash to splash that Henry had.

It is old news now lol

Heres the thing. City bought Nasri and Dzecko on the back of how they had seen them perform. I think the new manager should be tasked with getting the best out of them rather than being allowed to cop out and sell them. They are both very talented players that have lost their way.

The existing squad at City, all things being equal, has the talent and ability to win the league or get very close to doing so.

Contributing factors aligned with this cost Mancini his job. Not a bad manager, had his moments, poorly treated at the end but ultimately the results and improvements over the season were not good enough.

btw, paying him 7.5m a year was a joke. What on earth were they thinking of paying him that much?

[mrbojangles]

I did say that Mancini would not last the season

I said Fergusson wouldn't last either

[BIGTOE3]

I did say that Mancini would not last the season

I said Fergusson wouldn't last either

Yes you did Mr B - BUT THAT WAS 25 YEARS AGO

BT

[MrRed]

I did say that Mancini would not last the season

I said Fergusson wouldn't last either

There is a big difference with bowing out at the top as a champion....and getting the old tin tack me old!

[Bagwan]

i'd love to know what david platt actually does. his time as forest manager was an absolute disaster and he was a joke in italy with sampdoria. seems to be the worst kind of yes man.

I think the Thai pronunciation of his name is most apt.

[tangaroa67]

Don't get me wrong, I liked Mancini and didn't want him to leave, but given the situation, I want this guy ...

http://www.talksport.co.uk/radio/extra-time/130515/hunter-manuel-pellegrinis-move-manchester-city-197621

[mrbojangles]

Don't get me wrong, I liked Mancini and didn't want him to leave, but given the situation, I want this guy ...

http://www.talksport.co.uk/radio/extra-time/130515/hunter-manuel-pellegrinis-move-manchester-city-197621

After listening and reading many articles on the guy, I'm certainly warming to his style.

[uptheos]

Don't get me wrong, I liked Mancini and didn't want him to leave, but given the situation, I want this guy ...

http://www.talksport.co.uk/radio/extra-time/130515/hunter-manuel-pellegrinis-move-manchester-city-197621

After listening and reading many articles on the guy, I'm certainly warming to his style.

Well, you have to really don't you, he has to be given a chance on a bigger stage.

[JacknDanny]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2326322/Roberto-Mancini-revealed-The-Manchester-City-dressing-room-battles-sacking.html

Interesting piece.

Particularly regarding Kompany and Hart.

I believe Kompany has always carried himself well as an articulate and intelligent professional with no agendas.

If Mancini refused to listen to his captain, who would have been extremely close to the players, then its no surprise that problems escalated.

[MrRed]

To be honest JD it is only what everyone knew anyway,his man management skills are zero and mixed with some highly volatile players that have really tested him to the max i am surprised he lasted the season.

I know you won the title last year but how close was it? imagine if you had lost it would he have been at City this season ...i doubt it!

I think you need a strong personality who will clear the ego's and actually get the players together and a happy environment around the club again.....the players never seem happy and that stemmed form Mancini.

You should be happy the change has come now rather than later.

[alfieconn]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2326322/Roberto-Mancini-revealed-The-Manchester-City-dressing-room-battles-sacking.html

Interesting piece.

Particularly regarding Kompany and Hart.

I believe Kompany has always carried himself well as an articulate and intelligent professional with no agendas.

If Mancini refused to listen to his captain, who would have been extremely close to the players, then its no surprise that problems escalated.

It seems like the Man Love is slowly dissipating (already)

[carmine]

To be honest JD it is only what everyone knew anyway,his man management skills are zero and mixed with some highly volatile players that have really tested him to the max i am surprised he lasted the season.

I know you won the title last year but how close was it? imagine if you had lost it would he have been at City this season ...i doubt it!

I think you need a strong personality who will clear the ego's and actually get the players together and a happy environment around the club again.....the players never seem happy and that stemmed form Mancini.

You should be happy the change has come now rather than later.

Yes tend to agree. To manage a team of strong personalities, world class players you simply have to be a good man manager which clearly he was not.

I wonder for example how he would have dealt with Roy Keane if he couldn't get on with Kompany?

[MrRed]

I think defensively City have been sound and they really don't have any primadonnas or problems there which is a plus for the new manager,it just seems that Tevez Nasri and a few others in attacking positions spit the dummy out dead easy when they are up against it....this is down to team spirit which ultimately lies with the staff and manager.

Balotelli might of been a character but his lazy style and bad attitude on the pitch where another problem.

As to Roy Keane and Mancini...............imagine if Yaya Toure had turned against the manager and add some Ferguson the difference is there with what Fergieson did with the Legend Keano ...he got rid and the fans where 100% behind him,if Mancini had of got rid of Toure there would of been a massive problem for Mancini.

[carmine]

I think defensively City have been sound and they really don't have any primadonnas or problems there which is a plus for the new manager,it just seems that Tevez Nasri and a few others in attacking positions spit the dummy out dead easy when they are up against it....this is down to team spirit which ultimately lies with the staff and manager.

Balotelli might of been a character but his lazy style and bad attitude on the pitch where another problem.

As to Roy Keane and Mancini...............imagine if Yaya Toure had turned against the manager and add some Ferguson the difference is there with what Fergieson did with the Legend Keano ...he got rid and the fans where 100% behind him,if Mancini had of got rid of Toure there would of been a massive problem for Mancini.

The story i;m interested in is the departure of Jaap Stam if you could shed any light!!