Start of the season the minimum requirement was top 4 and a decent Cup run(finalists).. and Mancini achieved that.
In my opinion he over-achieved by finishing level on points with Chelsea in 3rd. place and winning the FA Cup. And had we done the double over the rags we would have finished level on points with them! That's how close we were.
But mistakes were made. Signings such as Boateng, Kolarov and Dzeko weren't as effective as hoped for. But the fact that these three players and the other new signings have another year to make improvements lead me to believe that the verdict was overall "job done".
The figures don't lie!
But it will be even more demanding next season. The minimum requirement is another challenge for the Premiership, another blast at a cup, and almost as importantly, Quarter finals or better in the Champions League.
We have to play like we did in the last 7 or 8 games of the season ALL that way next season. The inconsistencies have to be ironed out and the improving morale needs to be developed.
But the reality is that Mancini is working from season to season and will be judged at the end of each one. He won't have the luxury of a long-term plan.
This time next season we might very well be regurgitating all the old Mourinho stories yet again!