The Italian manager brought the league title to the Etihad, but his tactics, media outbursts and player selection are perhaps holding City back.
Five months ago Manchester City won the title in the most dramatic of circumstances. Another late winner saw them snatch three points at Fulham this weekend, when once again they were under par. Three points is three points, and the title is the title, but is how much of Manchester City’s success is down to their manager?
Mancini faced a lot of criticism in his first season in England for persistently sending out incredibly defensive formations that stopped some of the superb attacking talent he had in the squad from flourishing. This was mostly addressed last year, when City were a joy to watch in the first of the season at least. But under the pressure Manchester United put on them, they seemed to have thrown the title away, and only managed to regain their form when they lost the pressure of leading the league. With a squad so laden with stars, some of these managed to come through for the team, with Yaya Toure and Aguero superb in the closing stages of the season.
It would be churlish to say that Mancini’s influence at the Etihad is limited, but taking a look at the squads of the top teams in this country this season and last, City should be miles ahead of the rest. They should also be a force in Europe, but, as with his Inter side, Mancini has struggled to produce good results in the Champions League.
This season Man City have started in poor form. Arsenal outplayed them last week, Fulham were unlucky to lose this weekend. Mancini was keen to avoid City struggling this year when playing as the defending champions, but he has tinkered with his formation in a way that has made it harder for his players.
City do have the players to make tactics like a three at the back system work, but they also have the players that made them so impressive in the system they used last year. They have also added midfielders like Rodwell and Javi Garcia that could be able to release Yaya Toure into a more attacking role. But the players don’t seem to be comfortable at the moment, and their defence seems to be especially porous. Even the colossal Vincent Kompany has looked out of sorts this season.
Mancini has also made a number of questionable statements in the media, such as announcing his team would win the title ahead of the game at Fulham, as well as sparking up confrontations with managers like Paul Lambert. He doesn’t seem like a man totally at ease with the team he has, again using the media to convey his disappointment at City’s transfer dealings this summer, which he felt was left too late. This dissatisfaction is perhaps contributing to the uncertain nature of his team’s play.
Manchester City haven’t started too badly this season, but there could be argument that the points they have picked up is down to the incredible array of stars in their squad. Whilst that’s a charge that could be leveled at any manager with so many excellent players, it isn’t something that is said of Mourinho, Ferguson etc. Mancini just doesn’t convince like they do, and City may be winning despite, rather than because, of him.
What do you think? What managers do you think would do better with Manchester City’s resources, if any?
image: © Mafue
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
