IS Bobby Mancini THE MAN?

[CityFanFromRome]

I pray that the owners put Hughes on a sabbatical and he will be back tomorrow. With every day this is looking a more and more ridiculous decision. Not only is Mancini boring, the results are starting to look dire, a one nil defeat against 10 men Stoke is an outrage.

It would be the same that we got last year though. Besides we didn't lose. At least wait until full time before moaning ;)

Anyway, I didn't see the game but from what I've read we played poorly again. Hope we start improving soon on that.

[Fidel Castro]

I've lost all sense of anticipation for City matches now, it's just gone stale.
Last time I had felt that way, the bloke with a donkey toy was in charge

[Dunne's Half-Time Pint]

I've lost all sense of anticipation for City matches now, it's just gone stale.
Last time I had felt that way, the bloke with a donkey toy was in charge

It's been that way for me since the Carling Cup semi. I've not been so excited about a season since the 2001/2002 goalfest - my favourite ever - would've done anything to be at every game, loving it... And now...
Going to the Liverpool game anyway - I hope that reignites some of the spark.

[Wonderwall]

I have waited for a while to nail my colours to the mast, but I cannot see how mancini is the man to lead us for the next 3 1/2 years. I can see me being in a psychiatric unit by then if this keeps up. I can see some positives but too many poor performance s and negatives, especially when he has the big guns back also.

Come on Mancini, please sort this fucking shit out.

[MaineRoadMemories]

Just back from the game now. And I'm so fucked off at our style of play that is completely devoid of any entertainment. I'm no longer spending between £60 and £100 fucking quid to watch that pile of shite away from home any longer. I used to love going home and away but now all I see is the money I'm wasting.

Well no chance I'm going to watch us play at Chelsea, Fulham, Sunderland et al. I want to be entertained on my weekends. The crowd at away matches are getting right royally pissed off too. No banter, just moaning and more and more fans losing faith.

Your lucks in Leanne if you're reading this, I'll be taking you out to comedy clubs, gigs, nice hotels on away days and spending my money on you instead of that shite.

[Wonderwall]

Just back from the game now. And I'm so fucked off at our style of play that is completely devoid of any entertainment. I'm no longer spending between £60 and £100 fucking quid to watch that pile of shite away from home any longer. I used to love going home and away but now all I see is the money I'm wasting.

Well no chance I'm going to watch us play at Chelsea, Fulham, Sunderland et al. I want to be entertained on my weekends. The crowd at away matches are getting right royally pissed off too. No banter, just moaning and more and more fans losing faith.

Your lucks in Leanne if you're reading this, I'll be taking you out to comedy clubs, gigs, nice hotels on away days and spending my money on you instead of that shite.

do you want me to change her name to Leanne is in a comedy club x?

I feel your pain.

[Colin the King]

In the absence of an entertaining win, you'd accept a professional, boring win. In the absence of an entertaining win or a professional, boring win, you'd accept a committed, restless performance. In the absence of an entertaining win, a professional, boring win or a committed restless performance- you're left with nothing.

That emptiness is something I, and I'm sure most people, will have felt in a number of Mancini's opening games as City boss. Not only did we fail to win at Everton, Hull, Old Trafford or Stoke tonight- we failed to entertain, or show any particular redeeming qualities. A lot of that is circumstantial- while there mightn't be any shame in losing at the swamp, it's what lead up to it that disappoints. The tactical negativity of the first leg- we had them scared shitless at 2-1 up at Eastlands and didn't/didn't want to capitalise. Tonight, with the scores level and Stoke down to ten men there was no real desire to go and win the game- no definite sign of a change in mentality from the manager. We did well to come away with a point, and while there's no shame in that usually, under tonight's circumstances I think it's an opportunity missed.

Despite being critical of Hughes, I found the timing of his sacking questionable and despite being quite pleased with Mancini's appointment given his track record of success, am starting to have a few doubts. If what we're seeing is a transitional phase, a steadying of the ship, and we start to play with flair and dedication in equal measure as of August, I'll be delighted. In the mean time watching City, it pains me to say, is painful.

I'm not suggesting he be sacked- a revolving door policy has been our undoing for my fucking lifetime- but I'm a little underwhelmed at the moment.

[gillie]

In the absence of an entertaining win, you'd accept a professional, boring win. In the absence of an entertaining win or a professional, boring win, you'd accept a committed, restless performance. In the absence of an entertaining win, a professional, boring win or a committed restless performance- you're left with nothing.

That emptiness is something I, and I'm sure most people, will have felt in a number of Mancini's opening games as City boss. Not only did we fail to win at Everton, Hull, Old Trafford or Stoke tonight- we failed to entertain, or show any particular redeeming qualities. A lot of that is circumstantial- while there mightn't be any shame in losing at the swamp, it's what lead up to it that disappoints. The tactical negativity of the first leg- we had them scared shitless at 2-1 up at Eastlands and didn't/didn't want to capitalise. Tonight, with the scores level and Stoke down to ten men there was no real desire to go and win the game- no definite sign of a change in mentality from the manager. We did well to come away with a point, and while there's no shame in that usually, under tonight's circumstances I think it's an opportunity missed.

Despite being critical of Hughes, I found the timing of his sacking questionable and despite being quite pleased with Mancini's appointment given his track record of success, am starting to have a few doubts. If what we're seeing is a transitional phase, a steadying of the ship, and we start to play with flair and dedication in equal measure as of August, I'll be delighted. In the mean time watching City, it pains me to say, is painful.

I'm not suggesting he be sacked- a revolving door policy has been our undoing for my fucking lifetime- but I'm a little underwhelmed at the moment.

A fuckin men.

[john68]

I am fully behind Mancini...I really do want him to succeed. I want to see Mancini running round Wembley holding the FA Cup aloft as the massed City fans sing and dance.
I am also in the don't know bracket. Not because I don't support him but because, as yet I see no improvement. I desperately want it to happen and I want it to happen soon...but I really don't know if he is the man to do it for us. On the evidence of recent weeks, I have to say that I have significant doubts.
So Jimbo, I can have doubts and still support Mancini.

[dazby]

His biggest issue is that we are playing so defensively and yet still conceding goals. Sort it out Mancio!!

[Slim]

His biggest issue is that we are playing so defensively and yet still conceding goals. Sort it out Mancio!!

In 8 league games we have conceded 6 goals. In the previous 3 prior to him taking over we conceded 9.

Facts, they are for other people...right?

[dazby]

Thanks for illustrating my point Slim. We have conceded 12 goals in our last 9 games with only 2 clean sheets.

[mr_nool]

Underwhelmed and resigned, almost aphatic. I blew most of my steam on Hughes and can't work up the energy to moan and whinge again.

Besides, what choice do we have - let's just get behind the team until the end of the season.

[ant london]

He is A MAN

I guess that's half way there

[Wooders]

I still "don't know" to be honest
He's inherited a team of very talented players but he says in interviews that he still hasn't got his message across in terms of how he wants them to play so I am prepared to give him a chance - blowing a golden opportunity to be in the top 4 won't stand him in good stead though

[Alex Sapphire]

I still "don't know" to be honest
He's inherited a team of very talented players but he says in interviews that he still hasn't got his message across in terms of how he wants them to play so I am prepared to give him a chance - blowing a golden opportunity to be in the top 4 won't stand him in good stead though

if his team's English is the same as his I'm not surprised. He looks more and more like ramos every time I see him

[Socrates]

I still "don't know" to be honest
He's inherited a team of very talented players but he says in interviews that he still hasn't got his message across in terms of how he wants them to play so I am prepared to give him a chance - blowing a golden opportunity to be in the top 4 won't stand him in good stead though

if his team's English is the same as his I'm not surprised. He looks more and more like ramos every time I see him

In what way does he remind you of Ramos? Do you mean that you think he is sufferring from massive interference from an incompetent director of football or do you mean that you think he will win a trophy?

[Ted Hughes]

I still "don't know" to be honest
He's inherited a team of very talented players but he says in interviews that he still hasn't got his message across in terms of how he wants them to play so I am prepared to give him a chance - blowing a golden opportunity to be in the top 4 won't stand him in good stead though

if his team's English is the same as his I'm not surprised. He looks more and more like ramos every time I see him

In what way does he remind you of Ramos? Do you mean that you think he is sufferring from massive interference from an incompetent director of football or do you mean that you think he will win a trophy?

A talented European manager desperately out of his depth trying to learn quickly how to play against the different challenges of PL football that were never mentioned in the coaching manual whilst fulfilling the expectations of fans & owners & avoiding the sack as the board negotiate with other managers behind his back.

[Original Dub]

I still "don't know" to be honest
He's inherited a team of very talented players but he says in interviews that he still hasn't got his message across in terms of how he wants them to play so I am prepared to give him a chance - blowing a golden opportunity to be in the top 4 won't stand him in good stead though

if his team's English is the same as his I'm not surprised. He looks more and more like ramos every time I see him

In what way does he remind you of Ramos? Do you mean that you think he is sufferring from massive interference from an incompetent director of football or do you mean that you think he will win a trophy?

Was that at Spurs or Real?

Did the director tell him Lennon was shit? Do you think they should have kept him?

Mancini is making me lose interest in city. I never ever thought I'd say that and I'm nowhere near giving up my support, but I'm honestly beginning to lose interest.

When Pearce had us playing the exact same football, I still had total support because we had such a weak squad and it was all in the name of survival in the premier league.

Completely underwhelmed and disillusioned. I shouldn't be, but I am.

[mcfc1632]

I wont be signing any Mancini out threads yet. I'm trying to convince myself that he is only trying to drag us over the finishing line then he will start a fresh next season.

I am coming to think that this is not far from the truth.

I doubted the 6 month contract stuff at the time but the more I see, the more I am starting to believe that he is determined to grind out results (and most importantly avoid losing) to make sure we get 4th and ensure he gets the 3 year extension and can start in earnest as of the summer.

If that's the case and he does this and we see a more exciting team next term under Mancini then all well and good I guess, the end will justify the means.

But if this is "The Mancini" way...then fuck me that is a depressing prospect as this dirge we are being served up is horrifying (especially as we have all seen just how exciting this same group of players can be)

Yeah - but if that is what he is trying to do he should remember it is 3 points for a win and better go for it and win games - with the occasional disappointment - than grinding out 1 pointers (but lets not lose sight of the fact that we were very lucky to escape with anything last night - that was not some strategy - set your stall out and grind out a point - it was just bollocks and lucky)