Roberto_ManciniTo build a world-power in football, you need two things. The first being players, and Manchester City seem to have built the base of an outstanding squad, bringing the likes of Adebayor, Lescott, and Garreth Barry. The second is an established, successful coach. Mark Hughes was not the man to take Manchester City forward, but I think Roberto Mancini could be.

Under Hughes, City played 77 games, only winning 47% of those matches. Now I understand that Hughes assembled a much better squad this season, but since October 5th, City have drawn eight, lost one, and have only won twice. Ironically, the two City wins were in succession, and against Arsenal and Chelsea. But, with the squad that City have, 14 out of a possible 33 points is unacceptable, and the club needed a change.

City have hired the ex-Inter Milan coach, and I think it’s in an effort to secure the big name signings they have missed out on since the club was bought by Sheikh Mansour, such as Kaka. As Inter coach, Mancini won the Serie A title in the 05/06, 06/07, and 07/08 seasons, as well as the Coppa Italia in the 04/05, and 05/06 seasons. Mancini was fired as Inter coach after the end of the 07/08 season, not because of results in Serie A, but because Inter Milan floundered in the Champions League, only advancing as far as the quarterfinals twice while Mancini was in charge. But, if City’s goal is to break into the Top 4, Mancini has the name to bring in big name players that will allow City to challenge for the Champions League next season. The January transfer window will open in just over two weeks, and don’t be surprised to see some big signings made by the boys in Sky Blue.

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