Manchester City have sacked manager Roberto Mancini, seemingly paving the way for a move for Malaga’s Manuel Pellegrini.
Speculation had mounted in previous days that the English had decided to relieve their Italian tactician of his duties at the end of the season, in favour of turning to Chilean Pellegrini, who has impressed once more at La Rosaleda.
And despite having two games of their League campaign left to play, City took the unusual step of confirming Mancini’s exit by releasing a statement late on Monday night.
“It is with regret that Manchester City Football Club announces that Roberto Mancini has been relieved of his duties as Manchester City Manager,” read the club’s posting on their official website.
“This has been a difficult decision for the owner, Chairman and Board to make and it is the outcome of a planned end of season review process that has been brought forward in light of recent speculation and out of respect for Roberto and his extensive contributions to the Football Club.
“Despite everyone’s best efforts, the Club has failed to achieve any of its stated targets this year, with the exception of qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League. This, combined with an identified need to develop a holistic approach to all aspects of football at the Club, has meant that the decision has been taken to find a new manager for the 2013-14 season and beyond.”
City, who over the past year have brought in former Barcelona Vice-President Ferran Soriano and sporting director Txiki Begiristain, are seen as poised to now turn to Pellegrini.
The 59-year-old commented on Sunday evening that he has no agreement in place with City, but speculation in England is that the Premier League and FA Cup runners-up will look to conclude negotiations imminently.
It was apparently initially desired by City that any replacement for Mancini was lined up to immediately replace him at the current campaign’s conclusion, before the Italian’s departure was brought forward.
