The decision to sack Roberto Mancini has been described as a new low by Kevin Parker, a spokesman for the Manchester City Supporters Club.
Since replacing Mark Hughes in December 2009 the Italian coach has become hugely popular at the Etihad Stadium, and it’s not difficult to see why. He led the Blues to their first piece of silverware in 35 years when they won the FA Cup in 2011, and he followed this up the following season with a first league title since 1968.
Other highlights of his time in Manchester include successive wins against archrivals United at Old Trafford, one of which was a stunning 6-1 triumph, and they also knocked the Reds out of the FA Cup en route to winning the trophy. And last season, a 1-0 home win put Mancini’s side on the brink of title glory.
However, this term is has largely been accepted that City have gone backwards. Not only have they allowed United to ease to a 20th league win, but for the second successive campaign, they have failed to make it past the UEFA Champions League group phase. There has also been increasing speculation that the 48-year-old has ‘lost’ the dressing room, with a number of senior players said to be unhappy.
Mancini had a chance to rescue the season last Saturday, but despite being overwhelming favourites, they lost 1-0 to Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup final. At this stage, reports had already emerged that the former Internazionale coach would be shown the door at the end of the season, to be replaced by Malaga’s Manuel Pellegrini.
As it transpired Mancini didn’t even last the week, after City confirmed on Monday evening – exactly a year to the day since they won the title last season – that he had been sacked. Most fans are far from impressed with the decision, with a Supporters Club spokesman claiming it to be his lowest moment in 40 years.
“I’m massively disappointed,” Kevin Parker told Sky Sports. “My phone has gone crazy with messages from members of the supporters’ club and friends who are all just very, very disappointed about what has happened. He’s been a massive success.
“I’ve been a season ticket holder for 40 years. I do accept that as fans we don’t know what goes on behind the scenes, but we have a dream our team can win trophies and – with ‘Bobby Manc’ – we managed to achieve that. This is probably my lowest point as a City fan and I’ve seen them relegated numerous times. It’s just so disappointing.”
