Roberto Mancini must take responsibility for the mistakes which led to his sacking, according to Manchester City full-back Gael Clichy.
The Italian boss was relieved of his duties this month, despite ending City’s 44-year wait for a top-flight title last season.
However, Clichy insists the 48-year-old is the man responsible for the club’s disappointing follow-up campaign and paid the price for that.
“He’s the manager and you have to take responsibility,” he said. “The manager is there to make the choices.
“Of course, when results are good it’s all down to the manager. When the results are not so good, it’s also down to him.
“We have to take responsibility for this season and yes, probably, it’s because of the manager that we haven’t won anything – because he’s the man in charge.”
City are in the United States for a post-season tour, where caretaker boss Brian Kidd is in charge of first team affairs.
However, Malaga manager Manuel Pellegrini is widely expected to take the reins before next season kicks off.
Clichy is wary of the negative effects of the transition, but he is also looking forward to a new chapter in the club’s history.
“If you take on a new manager in a way you’re just going backwards, because the new man will want to bring in new players who will need time to adapt,” he added.
“So, in a way, you can think you’re going backwards. But in the vision of the chairman and the staff, the club needs to progress and he felt it was the right time for Mancini to go.
“It’s the fans right to be worried because the guy won them three trophies in three years, which is quite amazing.
“But you have to live with it, he’s gone. Thanks for everything he did for the club but now we have to look forward to the future.”
City take on Chelsea in the early hours of Thursday morning UK time and again on Saturday evening as part of their US tour.
Image courtesy of mcfcofficial, via YouTube, with thanks.
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