Following City dismal performance in the Champions League needing now a miracle to get through to the knock out stage even the City players are questioning their managers tactics following the 3-1 defeat against Ajax City defender Micah Richards claimed in the aftermath that the players were confused having been asked to switch to a back three during the game, stating it was “not something that we’ve worked on a lot” and that “the players prefer a 4-4-2.”
Moves are happening behind the scenes at City that could have Mancini knowing that his days are numbered when you look at what is going on.
Manchester City have named former Barcelona technical director Txiki Begiristain as director of football in a restructuring aimed at making the Premier League champions world leaders in recruiting and developing players.
The former Spain international, who held a similar position at Barca for seven years until 2010 having also played for the team, will support City manager Roberto Mancini in first team recruitment and operations, the club said on Sunday.
City also announced on their website (www.mcfc.co.uk) that football administrator Brian Marwood, previously responsible for signing players, will become managing director of the City Football Academy when it is ready for the 2013/14 season.
Former Arsenal and England midfielder Marwood will be responsible for the recruitment, development, training and management of up to 400 players in Manchester and at other global training centres, City said in a statement.
“I am very pleased indeed to have been offered such an exciting opportunity,” Begiristain, 48, told City’s website.
“The progress and on field achievements at Manchester City are plain for all to see and I am honoured to have been asked to contribute to its future success.
“I am very much looking forward to working with Brian Marwood, Roberto Mancini and (chief executive) Ferran Soriano in continuing to build a football team and philosophy which will serve Manchester City well in the near and long term future.”
They will become a quintet of former Barcelona back room staff, including Ferrer Soriano, Marc Boixassa and Esteve Calzada. This has sparked rumours of a full Catalonian reunion and the appointment of Pep Guardiola, whilst Mancini and his staff are gradually faded out.
If you talk to people here in the Catalan capital Barcelona they say that it is already a done deal, and Guardiola will be going to City they are just putting the other pieces of the puzzle in place so that Pep can recreate another Barcelona in England.
This is a very clever move from Al Mubarack as it gives City a plan B, plan A of course to stick with Mancini. However were City not to qualify for the Champions league knockout stages or regain the title then Mancini’s time may be up. Guardiola would be free to reunite with his former colleagues for a new challenge with unlimited funds and resources.
