Legendary former Manchester United and City goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel believes the Blues’ failure to defend their Premier League crown is down to boss Roberto Mancini’s failings.
The ‘Great Dane’ won five titles with United before starring for City on their return to the top flight in 2002-03 in his final professional season.
And speaking ahead of tonight’s Manchester derby – which could see the Red Devils move 18 points clear of their rivals – the popular keeper blamed Mancini for City’s below-par season.
“Some players have been heavily criticised by the manager in public,” he told Sky Sports.
“Perhaps Mancini brings that from Italy. Perhaps you do that there, where there are different expectations. But that does not work here.
“You will never see Sir Alex Ferguson in the media taking problems he has, or the squad has, or the club has, into the open.”
Schmeichel – whose son Kasper also played for City, starring in a 1-0 derby win in August 2007 – claims Mancini’s attitude has affected his players’ performances on the pitch.
“I can understand that some of the players have been angry or disappointed with that type of treatment,” he said.
“Sometimes they will take that on to the pitch and maybe not play 100 per cent for the manager.
“That never happens with Sir Alex Ferguson. Never. Sir Alex is so consistent with his management.
“He manages each person differently but you know exactly where you are with him. You know exactly what is required. Manchester City have not had that.”
Tonight’s derby sees the Blues return to Old Trafford for the first time since beating their Manchester rivals 6-1 there last season.
The huge win meant City ended the season with a better goal difference than United, which ultimately won them the title.
However, Schmeichel believes the gap between the teams this season shows City have failed to match their rivals.
“When you talk about Manchester City struggling to compete with Manchester United – and that’s what it is, the gap is 15 points, so that’s struggling – it’s all about the whole football club,” he added.
Image courtesy of Soccer AM, via YouTube, with thanks.
For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.
