Roberto Mancini may have brought glory to Manchester City, but he was a still a failure, according to former Blues defender Danny Mills.
The Italian was sacked as City manager on Monday, following defeat to Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup final.
And Mills, who made 51 appearances for the Citizens, told BBC Radio Five Live Mancini should have performed much better this season.
“He will go down in Manchester City folklore for winning their first trophy in 35 years,” he said.
“But only meeting one of the five targets, he’s obviously failed on what he was asked to do.
“City’s standing and expectations are completely different to those of a Reading or a Southampton.”
Mancini was handed a new five-year contract last summer, after guiding City to their first top-flight in 44 years.
He had also ended their 35-year wait for silverware with the 2011 FA Cup, but failed to add a trophy to the collection this campaign.
However, ex-City striker David White believes the supporters were behind the 48-year-old and will be disappointed with the decision to let him go.
He also backed Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho to succeed Mancini, despite Malaga’s Manuel Pellegrini being odds-on favourite to land the job.
“I think overall they were definitely behind the manager,” White told Sky Sports News. “They have had success with him not seen over the past couple of years.
“The new manager comes in and if he starts well then you know things are quickly forgotten – it depends how the new manager starts next season.
“Given the choice between Mourinho and Pellegrini, they would love to see Mourinho at the club.
“But whether he fits in with what they want, he does tend to come and go at a football club. He would certainly be my choice and most City fans.”
Image courtesy of mcfc, with thanks.
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