Mancini’s “Favourite” Tactics [Satire]

Manchester City’s manager Roberto Mancini has long been known for using his fantastic tactics on and off the pitch. He has been the pioneer guiding City to the EPL title last season. Known for creating superstars out of nothing, he has built up a strong team.

Last year Mancini, already unhappy with his dismal team consisting of players like Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure, David Silva, Samir Nasri was not expecting to challenge for the title and often said that Manchester United are clear favorites to win the title. Even on the last day of the previous season, Mancini maintained his stand. Clearly Mancini was quite correct in a way. United faced a clumsy Sunderland away while Mancini’s side had a gigantic task of facing QPR. The season did have a nail-biting finish and City just managed to snatch the title from the Reds on goal difference, Sergio Aguero’s last minute winner.

Carlos Tevez’s lovely relationship with the coach did land him a two month long vacation last year, during which he travelled to his home country to catch up on his old friends.

Once asked if Carlos Tevez was going he said: “With me, no – it is finished.”

“It may not be my decision but if I’m deciding then, yes, he goes.”

But there was no such fallout and Tevez was certainly back to the starting line-up once he was “finished”.

After that refreshing break Tevez said: “I’m returning feeling renewed. I’m really up for having a great season. I’m better now and only thinking about playing football,” he said.

This season too Mancini believes Man United ARE the favorites.

He clarified his satirical statement saying: “I was serious last week when I said Manchester United were the favorites”.

“They have been playing for the title every year for 20 years,” he said. “We can’t change this situation in one year.”

“Any team that bought Van Persie would be better. I felt he was going to stay at Arsenal or sign for another team, but not us.”

“We already have four strikers. It was impossible for us to sign another one.” – Clarifying how he found 20 million pounds for Van Persie too much, given his clubs financial conditions.

With reports emerging that City actually made a bid for Lionel Messi, it did not come as a shock to many. City obviously lacked any big name players and needed to strengthen their attack, having only 4 poor strikers in Tevez, Dzeko, Balotelli and Aguero.

It was later confirmed that the bid was made “accidentally”! (Sic!)

With the start of the new season, everyone was eyeing City’s transfer market activity, but they seemed relatively quiet. With all the other teams panicking and signing as many players as they can, it looks like City will have to manage with the same old team. But Mancini’s frustration is understood. How can you expect a manager to be happy with 7 world class defenders, 7 fantastic midfielders, and 4 renowned strikers? The signing of RVP alone has made United clear favorites again.

With Liverpool awaiting City at Anfield, Mancini again jumped to give his opinion on his opponents. “Liverpool could lift the title”. He explained: “I think Liverpool will fight for the title this year because they bought good players, they have a good manager, they change their style of play”.

It would seem Chelsea did not stand a chance and their Champions League triumph will not make them contenders until November 25^th, when Mancini travels to Stamford Bridge.

With the likes of Patric Viera, Kolo Toure, Gael Clichy and Samir Nasri emerging from City’s training ranks (read Arsenal FC), City has a lot of budding stars. With more young talent coming through London (Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere maybe!), Manchester City are brewing their own talent!

Mancini’s predictions have always been bang-on! Let’s see if the predictions of this season hold true! Hoping City can come through all their problems and win as many trophies as they can!