He might not be an inspirational manager like Fergie,Wenger or Mourinho but the guy has a plan and sticks to it.
His appointment wasn't a popular one with most pundits because of the nature of Hughes dismmissal but I think the biggest issue is that everyone and his dog in this country and abroad believes its easy to win trophies with the current City squad and in the background I sense a touch of jealousy.
This week the newspapers are gushing on what a fine player Yaya is but all we heard last season was how Mancini was playing with 3 anchor man.To be honest watching Yaya play next to Barry this season I realized why Mancini didn't trust him in the anchor role.He is talented to play any position in world football but like Gerrard he doesn't have the defensive discipline to maintain shape in the mopping position.
At the beginning of the season I told a few friends that Yaya is City's best player because he plays the British game to perfection.He is not only skilled but he is blessed with pace,strength but the best aspect about his game is his willingness to shoot.too many City players arent willing to shoot and when you go through that City squad other than Tevez,Yaya,Mario,Johnson and Nasri at times the rest would rather score the perfect goal.
Dont get me started on Sergio, classy player but he is still playing as if he is in spain.He will improve no doubt as he is young but takes 3 too many touches. Another aspect of Yaya's game is his passing.There was the ball he sent over the top for Zabaleta that was inch perfect.
Silva is a great player, but like Lampard at times I get the impression he is a luxury player and is at times only as good as the midfielders around him.He was back to his best on Sunday but can disappear at times.
The praise for Mancini is grudgingly coming forward but you still hear the catch phrases about how timid his tactics are or his poor man management.
For me his biggest impact has been reforming the City defence on which their potential title win is firmly built.Players like Lescott and Richards are unrecognizable from their time under Hughes and moving Kompany to central defence was a master stroke.
Clichy looks like a classy player and Barry has been solid.after all Roberto did make the bold decision to promote Hart ahead of Given when the media again questioned him.
His italian background means he looks to avoid defeat 1st and its fostering an unbeatable mentality within this City squad.He doesnt look to be popular but make use of his full squad and he is gaining the players respect.You dont have to shout or fine players to gain respect, at times your results have to show and I think players like Barry,Hart,Micah and Clichy would fight for Bobby on the pitch.
Like Wenger before him he is slowly picking up the important aspects of being successful in the British game and will get better with each passing season.He has in my opinion the potential to be a fine manager and city should be proud he manages their club.
Give Mancini Credit
posted on 10/5/12
He is a good tactician, and until January I felt he was a very likeable guy.
If he wins the league fair play to him, but I think would be more in spite of Mancini than because of him.
posted on 10/5/12
What's happened since January,has been caught eating kittens?
posted on 10/5/12
Bushby, its easy to think Mancini has it easy but Im not convinced.United have been relentless and no matter how good City could have been all teams have blips even Real Madrid had a blip when it looked like barca could sneak in.Remember when Real were 11 points ahead.
To be frank I doubt mancini will ever get the praise even if he wins the champions league next season.like Pep, everyone has had their say on both mens respective clubs and are of the opinion anyone can win trophies with both squads.
Mourinho has also assembled one of the best squads in world football(remember you have players like Kaka,Sahin,Diarra who cant get a starting place.
nobody critisised mourinho when he rolled out of the champions league in the Round of 16 but any other manager would have been slaughtered.
At times its hard to change peoples opinions and I doubt Pep and Mancini will ever convince most of their coaching abilities
posted on 10/5/12
I think he has been fantastic. Of course all managers make mistakes but there is no reason why we can't grow together. Plan B's and C's if necessary are available unlike many managers eg Wenger, Redknap. One kicks bottles and throws them and the other never gets out of his seat when his team is struggling. We should get Roberto signed up for as long as possible and as soon as possible.
posted on 10/5/12
Really excellent thoughtful piece better than a lot of stuff published in the papers.
posted on 10/5/12
Very good article. I agree with it all apart from the bit about Toure playing the anchor role. I think he plays the anchor role very well, and he proved this at Barca, I just think Mancini has realised he's a better player when given more freedom. It is very good tactics to change the shape of the side to allow Yaya to be an am when things aren't working out.
People are too quick to give credit to managers who have achieved not very much with little money, but if success is achieved with money, people belittle the managers as having 'an easy job'.
Money doesn't always buy success. Look at the amount of money Madrid have spent over the years and their managers weren't all successful with it.
Mancini is an underrated manager. People forget that he is relatively new to the game. He won the title with Inter, albeit having inherited a great team, but so did Rafa Benitez and look what he achieved there.
Pep is another who doesn't get the credit he deserves, as a result of inheriting a good team.
posted on 10/5/12
Excellent article sums Mancini and City up perfectly.
posted on 10/5/12
Until he does something without spending money or winning a league with the biggest competition being punished by relegation or points deduction, I'm not entirely conviced.
Liked him as a player and like him as a manager. His inability to stand by his word is disappointing though
posted on 11/5/12
I agree with all points apart from the Inspirational bit. Every top manager is inspirational in his own way. Fully agree with Yaya, but would add to it how Barry allows him to be the player he is.