Ferran Soriano & Txiki Begiristain

[daztrueblue91]

I think Ferran and Txiki get a unwarranted amount of flack over the dismissal of Mancini. I wouldn't of been surprized if the decision came from above them and even if it was their decision Mancini made it easy for them.

You look at where our club wants to be and that's successful, profitable, play attractive football and utilise our youth system. It is no wonder people often compare us to following a Barcelona model because they are one of a small number of clubs who have successfully implemented this model. Even more impressive is that they have dominated using this model in our current era.

It's no wonder Ferran was appointed our CEO with his previous track record and our task of meeting FFP requirements. Txiki was then appointed as he played a key role with Ferran in the Barca revolution. What a lot of people seem to dismiss is that the decision to follow this route obviously came from above the Spanish duo as they were brought in to implement this model.

From the off Mancini wasn't happy with having his authority challenged and his quote about how Txiki and Ferran were not above him was telling. I reckon than Mancini's biggest issue was with our model of business changing. Mancini didn't care for FFP after all he constantly called for us to sign RVP, DDR and Hazard. Don't forget that Mancini's success coincided with massive spending sprees.

I think that this was the main reason for the relationship breakdown as Mancini wanted things the carry on as previous where as the board wanted change. I think Mancini's departure was inevitable and no one covered themselves in glory with the whole affair. The Spanish duo and our media team could have dealt with the situation better and Mancini should have stopped playing out clubs affairs in public.

IMO Mancini was perfect for the club when he took over. His style made us winners and he took us to a new level. Unfortunately for Mancini our spending approach was unsustainable and when the funds lowered his weaknesses became exposed. He left at the right time IMO.

I also think that the Spanish duo are perfect for our club now and for getting us where we want to be. They have shown this summer that they are no mugs in the transfer window and our club looks a lot more professional with the more abrasive characters our of the club.

 

[Anonymous]

I think Ferran and Txiki get a unwarranted amount of flack over the dismissal of Mancini. I wouldn't of been surprized if the decision came from above them and even if it was their decision Mancini made it easy for them.

You look at where our club wants to be and that's successful, profitable, play attractive football and utilise our youth system. It is no wonder people often compare us to following a Barcelona model because they are one of a small number of clubs who have successfully implemented this model. Even more impressive is that they have dominated using this model in our current era.

It's no wonder Ferran was appointed our CEO with his previous track record and our task of meeting FFP requirements. Txiki was then appointed as he played a key role with Ferran in the Barca revolution. What a lot of people seem to dismiss is that the decision to follow this route obviously came from above the Spanish duo as they were brought in to implement this model.

From the off Mancini wasn't happy with having his authority challenged and his quote about how Txiki and Ferran were not above him was telling. I reckon than Mancini's biggest issue was with our model of business changing. Mancini didn't care for FFP after all he constantly called for us to sign RVP, DDR and Hazard. Don't forget that Mancini's success coincided with massive spending sprees.

I think that this was the main reason for the relationship breakdown as Mancini wanted things the carry on as previous where as the board wanted change. I think Mancini's departure was inevitable and no one covered themselves in glory with the whole affair. The Spanish duo and our media team could have dealt with the situation better and Mancini should have stopped playing out clubs affairs in public.

IMO Mancini was perfect for the club when he took over. His style made us winners and he took us to a new level. Unfortunately for Mancini our spending approach was unsustainable and when the funds lowered his weaknesses became exposed. He left at the right time IMO.

I also think that the Spanish duo are perfect for our club now and for getting us where we want to be. They have shown this summer that they are no mugs in the transfer window and our club looks a lot more professional with the more abrasive characters our of the club.

I like it ... diplomatic but forthright, if that's even possible! Either way good post.

 

[Deleted member 52846]

A league and FA Cup winning manager who ended our trophy drought and took us into the Champions League for the first time but you want to call him a ****. Idiot.

He blatantly was. A despicably arrogant bad loser with abysmal man management skills. Sheikh Mansour's money won us those pots. Numerous managers could've achieved it and some with more diplomacy would still be in charge now.

What's the point of taking us in to the Champions League when we can't get past the group stages?

Nonsense.

Aren't you the notorious Hughes fanboy?

He couldn't do it could he? In spite of all the money he threw at it.

The denigration of Mancini's character and his achievements at City following his sacking, by some blues, really turns my stomach.

Seems to be fashionable now too, which is even worse.

Mancini was a hard task master, but his impact at City was immediate. He knocked heads together, when he was appointed he transformed us from a shambolic team of individuals who couldn't defend a two goal lead into a solid and cohesive unit almost overnight.

He was an autocrat, but at that period of our development it was effective. He accepted nothing but ultimate commitment to the cause, anyone who undermined him or didn't pull his weight was sent packing. We had countless players on the books who weren't fit for purpose, were here for all the wrong reasons (money) and didn't have the right attitude to be a success at City. Mancini either whipped them into shape or included them in a massive cull of deadwood.

Too many of the playing staff didn't have the attitude of winners, too many accepted defeat and didn't have the required mental fortitude to cut it at the level we aspired to.

Mancini recognised those players and disposed of them like household waste. A good thing as far as I'm concerned, we didn't have the time for sentiment back then.

The players whom Mancini recognised to be made right stuff were drilled and drilled until they knew and fully understood their role in his set-up, no stone was left unturned.

Numerous players were transformed from wildly inconsistent and under performing, to key stalwarts of the side that represents us in the Champions League today.

Kompany was on the bench when Mancini arrived. Usually deployed in defensive midfield, he was being kept out of central defence by the then manager's two big money signings, Lescott and Kolo Toure. Both players couldn't buy a clean sheet and then defence was a shambles. Mancini immediately introduced Kompany into the side, and transformed him into a player who is now considered one of the greatest players in his position, in the whole of Europe.

Richards was erratic and didn't understand the core responsibilities of his position. Mancini transformed him into a reliable fullback while maintaining his attacking threat.

Zabaleta was a hardworking but apparently average player who rarely played, and when he did he was rash in the tackle and average both defensively and going forward. Today Zabaleta is regarded as the league's best right back and was the club's player of the year last season.

Barry was wholly unreliable, uncomfortable in possession, slow in thought and had many people openly doubting his worth to the side. Became the first name on the team sheet under Mancini, established himself as our most reliable performer, shielding the defence and keeping the ball moving quickly in midfield. Proved himself instrumental in our title winning season.

Joe Hart was on loan at Birmingham, and was questioning his future at City. Mancini brought him back from loan, introduced him back into the side dropping Given, to the tune of a man of the match performance at WHL. Quickly established himself as among the best in the league and became England's number one. Has since won 3 golden gloves.

Improved both Lescott and Kolo Toure, the former became a key player in our title winning season.

I'm sure there are more, but you catch the drift.

We went through an enormous transition under Mancini. When he took over we were a mid-table side with ambitions of a top four place. When he left 3 and a half years later we were an established member of the 'elite' and had an FA Cup and league title to our name.

He never did the arm round the shoulder, but his 'win at all costs' mentality and attention to detail earned us a Premier League title. It also saw us play some of the best football the division has seen since Arsene Wenger's invincibles.

It saw us take Chelsea's fortress record in a 2-4 win at Stamford Bridge. It saw us win the FA Cup. It saw us humiliate United 1-6 at Old Trafford. It saw us win the Premier League.

I think there is an argument that Mancini began to grate for many at the club, his autocratic ways and harsh manner souring the mood as results suffered.

Maybe we needed the fresh start, a fresh pair of hands? A more diplomatic manager who is liked by his players, and able to soothe the supposed unrest that developed.

But like Mancini and Hughes before him, he will be measured by results. I just fear that many of our players needed an autocrat, there shall be no such excuses from them in May should we fail to improve on last season.

But I digress. The disparaging terms many on here talk of Mancini is absurd, and I think you should reflect more closely on your critique of him as a manager.

Really good post that 'headache. With Begiristain coming in last November the Mancini/Begiristain combo was never going to work. It wouldn't have mattered if we would have won the FA Cup or even the Prem last season, I think Mancini would have lost his job in the Summer or at some point soonafter anyway because he was the authoritarian manager that we needed back in 2009 but not someone who works well with someone like Begiristain as Mancini would want full control and Begiristain wouldn't let him have it any longer.

Due to that it was probably the right time to change manager but what Mancini did for this club was, on the whole, fantastic. He had his flaws but made many of our players and this club winners. For that I'll always love Mancini and if he ever came back with another club of give him a big clap and cheer.

As it goes I'm feeling optimistic about the Begrirstain and Pellegrini combo for the coming years; if not exactly the immediate future as I'm unsure about our defensive midfield at the moment, but that's not to say things won't pick up and improve soon.

 

[Deleted member 52846]

I think Ferran and Txiki get a unwarranted amount of flack over the dismissal of Mancini. I wouldn't of been surprized if the decision came from above them and even if it was their decision Mancini made it easy for them.

You look at where our club wants to be and that's successful, profitable, play attractive football and utilise our youth system. It is no wonder people often compare us to following a Barcelona model because they are one of a small number of clubs who have successfully implemented this model. Even more impressive is that they have dominated using this model in our current era.

It's no wonder Ferran was appointed our CEO with his previous track record and our task of meeting FFP requirements. Txiki was then appointed as he played a key role with Ferran in the Barca revolution. What a lot of people seem to dismiss is that the decision to follow this route obviously came from above the Spanish duo as they were brought in to implement this model.

From the off Mancini wasn't happy with having his authority challenged and his quote about how Txiki and Ferran were not above him was telling. I reckon than Mancini's biggest issue was with our model of business changing. Mancini didn't care for FFP after all he constantly called for us to sign RVP, DDR and Hazard. Don't forget that Mancini's success coincided with massive spending sprees.

I think that this was the main reason for the relationship breakdown as Mancini wanted things the carry on as previous where as the board wanted change. I think Mancini's departure was inevitable and no one covered themselves in glory with the whole affair. The Spanish duo and our media team could have dealt with the situation better and Mancini should have stopped playing out clubs affairs in public.

IMO Mancini was perfect for the club when he took over. His style made us winners and he took us to a new level. Unfortunately for Mancini our spending approach was unsustainable and when the funds lowered his weaknesses became exposed. He left at the right time IMO.

I also think that the Spanish duo are perfect for our club now and for getting us where we want to be. They have shown this summer that they are no mugs in the transfer window and our club looks a lot more professional with the more abrasive characters our of the club.

I like this post too. However, with us spending £92m this Summer and we will definitely spend again next Summer, it wasn't just Mancini who liked to spend big to achieve success.

I don't read too much into the way the sacking was handled. Few, if any, sackings are smooth transitions. Things could have been more secretive but it would still have happened anyway and by now the feeling of it either way would have been the same.

 

[wayne71]

Cracking post that Kippaxstreetheadache.

 

[zlaz3r]

I think Ferran and Txiki get a unwarranted amount of flack over the dismissal of Mancini. I wouldn't of been surprized if the decision came from above them and even if it was their decision Mancini made it easy for them.

You look at where our club wants to be and that's successful, profitable, play attractive football and utilise our youth system. It is no wonder people often compare us to following a Barcelona model because they are one of a small number of clubs who have successfully implemented this model. Even more impressive is that they have dominated using this model in our current era.

It's no wonder Ferran was appointed our CEO with his previous track record and our task of meeting FFP requirements. Txiki was then appointed as he played a key role with Ferran in the Barca revolution. What a lot of people seem to dismiss is that the decision to follow this route obviously came from above the Spanish duo as they were brought in to implement this model.

From the off Mancini wasn't happy with having his authority challenged and his quote about how Txiki and Ferran were not above him was telling. I reckon than Mancini's biggest issue was with our model of business changing. Mancini didn't care for FFP after all he constantly called for us to sign RVP, DDR and Hazard. Don't forget that Mancini's success coincided with massive spending sprees.

I think that this was the main reason for the relationship breakdown as Mancini wanted things the carry on as previous where as the board wanted change. I think Mancini's departure was inevitable and no one covered themselves in glory with the whole affair. The Spanish duo and our media team could have dealt with the situation better and Mancini should have stopped playing out clubs affairs in public.

IMO Mancini was perfect for the club when he took over. His style made us winners and he took us to a new level. Unfortunately for Mancini our spending approach was unsustainable and when the funds lowered his weaknesses became exposed. He left at the right time IMO.

I also think that the Spanish duo are perfect for our club now and for getting us where we want to be. They have shown this summer that they are no mugs in the transfer window and our club looks a lot more professional with the more abrasive characters our of the club.

I like this post too. However, with us spending £92m this Summer and we will definitely spend again next Summer, it wasn't just Mancini who liked to spend big to achieve success.

I don't read too much into the way the sacking was handled. Few, if any, sackings are smooth transitions. Things could have been more secretive but it would still have happened anyway and by now the feeling of it either way would have been the same.

A change of players and staff is expected when you bring in a new Manager with a different vision and style of play for the team.
What isn't expected, is spending + £80m each summer and then getting kicked out in CL at group stages.
When Pellegrini has had 3 seasons and spent £200m + and still showing no progress in the way we play, then i will be just as critical at him as i was a Mancini in the end.

 

[Prestwich_Blue]

Re: Ferran Soriano & Txiki Begiristain

Can we keep the thread on topic please.

 

[Tim of the Oak]

I think Ferran and Txiki get a unwarranted amount of flack over the dismissal of Mancini. I wouldn't of been surprized if the decision came from above them and even if it was their decision Mancini made it easy for them.

You look at where our club wants to be and that's successful, profitable, play attractive football and utilise our youth system. It is no wonder people often compare us to following a Barcelona model because they are one of a small number of clubs who have successfully implemented this model. Even more impressive is that they have dominated using this model in our current era.

It's no wonder Ferran was appointed our CEO with his previous track record and our task of meeting FFP requirements. Txiki was then appointed as he played a key role with Ferran in the Barca revolution. What a lot of people seem to dismiss is that the decision to follow this route obviously came from above the Spanish duo as they were brought in to implement this model.

From the off Mancini wasn't happy with having his authority challenged and his quote about how Txiki and Ferran were not above him was telling. I reckon than Mancini's biggest issue was with our model of business changing. Mancini didn't care for FFP after all he constantly called for us to sign RVP, DDR and Hazard. Don't forget that Mancini's success coincided with massive spending sprees.

I think that this was the main reason for the relationship breakdown as Mancini wanted things the carry on as previous where as the board wanted change. I think Mancini's departure was inevitable and no one covered themselves in glory with the whole affair. The Spanish duo and our media team could have dealt with the situation better and Mancini should have stopped playing out clubs affairs in public.

IMO Mancini was perfect for the club when he took over. His style made us winners and he took us to a new level. Unfortunately for Mancini our spending approach was unsustainable and when the funds lowered his weaknesses became exposed. He left at the right time IMO.

I also think that the Spanish duo are perfect for our club now and for getting us where we want to be. They have shown this summer that they are no mugs in the transfer window and our club looks a lot more professional with the more abrasive characters our of the club.

I like it ... diplomatic but forthright, if that's even possible! Either way good post.

A bit light on facts though and taken in by the holistic bullshit. Many of our promising young players have been discarded or sent on loan in the last month (maybe they amount to the same thing).

People gloating about Mancini's sacking also - by implication - highlight the overpaid prima donnas that we have in the team. Maybe the retirement of Pat Vieira was a factor in the slide towards player power. For example, Maybe it wouldn't have been as easy for Head n Shoulders to go public with his criticisms of the defence after the defeat in Madrid if there was more leadership amongst the players.

I am willing on MP to be a big success with the full backing of Txiki and Ferran but the manager who tore down the banner at Old Trafford will always be a hero to most Blues

 

[Mr. Aguia]

I'm interested, who do you think Ferran and Txiki brought to the club?

Garcia for starters. I imagine they've had an input in all transfers since they arrived. I was expecting a wealth of future superstars signing for us! Not players heading towards the twilight of their careers.

None of last summers signings were made by Ferran and Txiki. They were Mancini's signings. They both started after last summers window had shut. Have you completely ignored the work they have done off the pitch with new sponsorship, infrastructure and reducing the wage bill. Future superstars aren't what's needed as a priority, we need a squad that competes here and now and this summer has got us that. They've done unbelievable work all around the club. We are now a well oiled machine which wreaks of professionalism and quiet confidence which Ferran and Soriano have played a huge part in. The future superstars will come, the new training facility will see to that

I think they were Marwood signings more than anything. If you look at the class of players he was asking for and who we actually signed hard to believe many were his choices. Would he really have wanted Sinclaire? Clearly he didn't think he was any good or he would have played him. Garcia as well. Wanted to get rid of NDJ because he wasn't good on the ball and didn't provide any creativity. Garcia is not even as good as NDJ so why would he want him?

I think they've done well so far. Signed players early. Players that other clubs were in for and managed to convinve them to come to us. If we look at how much trouble the Rags and Arsenal have had signing players, particularly from Spain were there are issues to be dealt with that don't exist in the PL. They are familier with those players and what's needed to get them. Should give us an advantage going forward. Negredo seems to be a real steal. Many touted Soldado as a better player but I haven't seen much from him so far. Yet Negredo has as many goals(should have 1 more) despite playing very limited mns and costing much less. I don't think we can expect a total overhaul in the first year. They need time to see what we have and what we need and the same with MP.

 

[daztrueblue91]

I think Ferran and Txiki get a unwarranted amount of flack over the dismissal of Mancini. I wouldn't of been surprized if the decision came from above them and even if it was their decision Mancini made it easy for them.

You look at where our club wants to be and that's successful, profitable, play attractive football and utilise our youth system. It is no wonder people often compare us to following a Barcelona model because they are one of a small number of clubs who have successfully implemented this model. Even more impressive is that they have dominated using this model in our current era.

It's no wonder Ferran was appointed our CEO with his previous track record and our task of meeting FFP requirements. Txiki was then appointed as he played a key role with Ferran in the Barca revolution. What a lot of people seem to dismiss is that the decision to follow this route obviously came from above the Spanish duo as they were brought in to implement this model.

From the off Mancini wasn't happy with having his authority challenged and his quote about how Txiki and Ferran were not above him was telling. I reckon than Mancini's biggest issue was with our model of business changing. Mancini didn't care for FFP after all he constantly called for us to sign RVP, DDR and Hazard. Don't forget that Mancini's success coincided with massive spending sprees.

I think that this was the main reason for the relationship breakdown as Mancini wanted things the carry on as previous where as the board wanted change. I think Mancini's departure was inevitable and no one covered themselves in glory with the whole affair. The Spanish duo and our media team could have dealt with the situation better and Mancini should have stopped playing out clubs affairs in public.

IMO Mancini was perfect for the club when he took over. His style made us winners and he took us to a new level. Unfortunately for Mancini our spending approach was unsustainable and when the funds lowered his weaknesses became exposed. He left at the right time IMO.

I also think that the Spanish duo are perfect for our club now and for getting us where we want to be. They have shown this summer that they are no mugs in the transfer window and our club looks a lot more professional with the more abrasive characters our of the club.

I like this post too. However, with us spending £92m this Summer and we will definitely spend again next Summer, it wasn't just Mancini who liked to spend big to achieve success.

I don't read too much into the way the sacking was handled. Few, if any, sackings are smooth transitions. Things could have been more secretive but it would still have happened anyway and by now the feeling of it either way would have been the same.

I agree that we are still going to spend as you need to spend to compete nowadays. However you look at this summer and we have drastically slashed the wage bill and Negrado and Jovetic have both been signings to replace sales.

When you consider that we have slashed Kolo's, Bridges, RSC, Tevez, Balotelli and Barry's wages off the books and added around £30 million is transfers fees. It looks like our summer spending is similar to last seasons with £500k per week off the wage bill.

Also I would say we have a more balanced squad so overall I would say its been a cracking summer both financially and strength playing wise.