It’s just under three years since we waved goodbye to Mark Hughes and said hello to a stylish Italian looking to prove himself in the Premier League. That Italian was of course the ex-Inter boss Roberto Mancini.
After a spell of draws and uninspiring performances, particularly away from home, the owners hoped a change of manager would bring about a change of fortunes as we looked to push into the Champions League.
It worked. Mancini got underway with for consecutive victories, including a first derby win in the first leg of a Carling Cup semi-final. The apparent reason for Hughes’ sacking was that it was projected he wouldn’t make the top four.
Neither did the new boss. But what did happen was a transformation in the performances of the side. We pushed into fourth place come April, only to be denied by a Peter Crouch winner at the Etihad in what was effectively a Champions League spot play-off.
The following season he attracted Yaya Toure, David Silva, and Aleksandar Kolarov to the club. Those three additions helped City to win the FA Cup and finally claim a trophy after 34 years of disappointments.
The 2010-11 season also saw City qualify for the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history, another huge step forward under Mancini. Boosted by the arrival of Sergio Aguero, Samir Nasri, and Gael Clichy, the next season of course ended with that infamous 3-2 win against QPR and pipping United to the title.
Yes, of course there have been problems along the way. Mancini’s relationship with Brian Marwood was always extremely strained, but he has seen him off to look after the community project.
Mario Balotelli has apparently been a constant thorn in the boss’ side if you believe everything you read in the press. In truth Balotelli has always been devoted to his mentor, he has the occasional show of petulance but much of his reputation is based on media ‘stories’.
As it is we sit two points off the top of the table, unbeaten in our first 11 games, and showing a resilience in coming back from behind which is the true mark of champions.
There’s disappointment surrounding Champions League performances, but everything we’ve seen from Mancini so far makes me believe that he will get us there. He’s achieved everything else he set out to do.
In Mancini we trust.
Don’t we?
Post also published at MCFC View.
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