Mancini ‘failed to meet targets’

MANCHESTER City finally ended three days of intense speculation by announcing the sacking of manager Roberto Mancini late last night.

Just before 10.30pm City posted a statement announcing the Italian had been relieved of his duties for failing to achieve this season’s “stated targets”.

The news came on the first anniversary of City’s dramatic final–day Barclays Premier League title success.

Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini is the favourite to succeed him, although assistant manager Brian Kidd will take charge for the final two games of the season — against Reading tonight and Norwich – and next week’s United States tour.

The statement read: “It is with regret that Manchester City Football Club announces that Roberto Mancini has been relieved of his duties as Manchester City manager.

“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.”

Mancini’s position looked impregnable when he was rewarded for winning the title with a five–year contract last summer.

But City failed to build on that achievement, losing the league title many points behind United, then losing to humble WIgan in the FA Cup final — though by that stage it seems Mancini’s fate had already been decided.