Is Mancini still the man for Man City?

Bringing Manchester City their first league title for 44 years has brought Roberto Mancini enough love in the tank to weather any form of storm come the early season this year one would think, but he already seems to be using plenty of the slack with his team’s hit and miss performances recently.

Less of a crisis and more of a stumble, rather than exuding serene confidence or a committed work ethic to address any perceived short comings, Mancini’s attitude has been spikey and confrontational whilst his decision making has been a little unorthodox to say the least.

Surely with such huge resources and an excellent team in both playing and back room staff, Roberto should be able to approach any issues revealing themselves in a dignified and professional manner.  However, his behaviour can only be described as becoming increasingly frantic.

Interviews and body language can often lead to miss-placed speculation, but then other times 2 plus 2 does equal 4.  His spat with Villa manager, Paul Lambert, is on its own nothing new.  Yet his choice of language was a little odd “I am tired with these managers” – is he revealing something else here?  Is the weight and burden of the City ship beginning to wear Mancini down to the point of breaking?

With regard to his own team, he lambasts Joe Hart publicly when Joe quite rightly suggests that being 1-2 up away in Europe with 5 minutes to go is a situation that City must learn to hold when they fail to do so.  In comparison to when Mario Ballioteli is repeatedly selected despite the striker’s clear erratic behaviour, is this the best method to man managing your team?  Time will tell, but indications are that such blatant public favouritism can foster significant resentment.

Then there were the repeated barbs at Brian Marwood regarding transfer policy.  Acting like a spoiled child who isn’t allowed any sweeties, his petulant response to journalists regarding likely transfers to City over the summer was embarrassing.  Most level headed people could see that with Financial Fair Play looming Manchester City could no longer to employ every single half decent striker in Europe anymore and had to sell before they could buy.

The above would normally not need to be highlighted were Manchester City continuing their excellent form from last season into this – but they are not.  A lack of snap and punch, grit and understanding are contributing to somewhat of a stuttering start in both the EPL and Europe, with only the quality of their players individually able to rescue them on necessary occasions.  Factor in some tactical tinkering with a back 3 rather than a back 4 and the constant headache of attempting to fit in their stellar names sufficiently often to keep them happy than the City team has seemed disjointed and sticky.

Rumours have begun to grow regarding Mancini’s future at the Etihad and suggestions are that if City fail to progress from the group stage then he will be swiftly replaced.  Clearly a man of some talent and capabilities it is solely down to Roberto himself whether he still wants it.  Only a minor adjustment in attitude and approach should reap sufficient dividends.  Sitting fourth in the EPL and losing away to Real Madrid all in October is not the end of the world and is most definitely retrievable.

Time for Mancini to show if he’s still the man for City.

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