Manchester City tell Roberto Mancini he must change before they offer him a new deal
Manchester City are expected to offer Roberto Mancini a new contract at the end of the season but they are seeking assurances from him that he has taken on some of the club’s concern about his management style.
The Italian’s current deal has a year to run and the City hierarchy are expected to review the situation at their quarterly board meeting at the end of the campaign.
The club are happy that the first team have shown clear signs of progress and want to give him a new deal irrespective of whether they win the title but they feel there is a need for the manager to refine his abrasive man management approach, to be more discreet about any issues he has with the club and to work with the club on ensuring transfer policy falls into line with the demands of Financial Fair Play.
There has been speculation that City would look to a new manager such as Jose Mourinho this summer but there is no appetite in the hierarchy to create an unstable situation at the club at a time when progress is clearly being made.
Mancini, whose side are five points behind Manchester United in the title race with four games to go, has given every indication that he is prepared to sign a new deal.
“I am confident that I will continue to do this job next year,” he said. “I don’t think we have any problems because I think we have done a good job.”