How Roberto Mancini 'changed the situation' in Manchester to make City Premier League champions

02.02.2022 - 14:29 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Roberto Mancini has explained how he managed to 'change the situation' at Man City while manager.

Manchester United had dominated the footballing landscape in the city - and country - prior to the Italian's arrival but in the last decade it has been City the team to beat.

Speaking with his former player Micah Richards for the MailOnline, he explained: "[Man City's training schedule] used be 10.30am, one hour.

"There were four or five players who were like this (pretends to take aim with a rifle) they wanted to shoot me.

"You remember the first month? It was very difficult but I was lucky because we won four games in a row.

"It was so different from Italy – new players, a different mentality.

"The best league in the world, many supporters in the stadium who are only there to support their team.

"In the end, we changed the situation in Manchester, didn't we?"

Mancini continued by explaining his fondness for both City and Manchester in general, adding: "Manchester opened my mind to a totally different way.

"This is very, very important for a manager, to come to England.

"Manchester City is a piece of my life, a piece of my heart. The fans, they supported me always. To win the Premier League? What can I say? They were always there for me.

"I am proud because we really changed things in Manchester.

"With United, who had (Sir Alex) Ferguson, it was difficult so to achieve what we did makes me very happy, very proud.

"This is good because that means, when you have won, you have a place in the history of the club."

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