Dzeko I'll grant, but I've always suspected that Balotelli didn't want to go to PSG and the club didn't consult him until the tentative fee was agreed, so he tanked after that to get his preferred move. I don't think any manager could have gotten him motivated after that.Marvin said:Even if City's top brass had private doubts about the manager, it doesn't serve their overall objectives in undermining and damaging the reputation of their manager.Didsbury Dave said:waspish said:Why would they do that? What would it achieve?
Well put it this way: it changed the perception of many fans about how secure Mancini was in his position. But that's only my take on it.
I have no proof that city gave him the story, in fact he told me that they didn't, but they were relaxed about it coming out, and that surprised him.
The one doubt I have about Mancini is the way forwards like Balotelli and Dzeko lost form and motivation. But it's difficult to say whether that's down to the players, or whether it's inevitable. Certainly not significant enough to require a change in manager. All managers make mistakes.