Five ways for Roberto Mancini to get Manchester City back on track

22 December 2009 12:54
SORT OUT THE DEFENCE: Mancini has already stated that the first issue in his in-tray relates to ending Manchester City's defensive problems. [LNB]Mark Hughes spent in excess of £50m on defensive reinforcements, but his team shipped 27 goals in 17 league games this season. Mancini must resolve the problem if City are to have any hope of a top four finish. [LNB] Related ArticlesItalian jobs: from Ancelotti to ZolaMancini: Robinho can 'make history' at Man CityBarcelona lose interest in RobinhoRoberto Mancini blows Manchester City's coverCook in line of fire at hostile press conferenceMancini's 13 predecessorsMANAGE HIS BOSSES: Hughes placed great emphasis on his ability to manage both beneath him and above him. It worked at Blackburn, where both his players and chairman John Williams were steadfastly loyal, but City proved a different animal. [LNB]Revelations about the moves to appoint Mancini behind his back sum up the problems he had at Eastlands, so Mancini must manage his bosses much better. [LNB]ROBINHO AND ADEBAYOR: Two players with big price-tags and even bigger egos. Both started brightly under Hughes before fading badly, with rumours of dressing-room problems being pinned on both players. [LNB]Mancini has dealt with superstar egos before at Inter Milan, so he knows the territory and, if Robinho and Adebayor continue to under-perform, they could be high-profile casualties. [LNB]CRAIG BELLAMY: The Wales forward has been City's best player this season, but he is a staunch Hughes loyalist and he is already reportedly seeking a move away from Eastlands following Hughes's sacking. [LNB]Bellamy is a big figure in the dressing-room and an influential character. [LNB]Mancini needs to rein him in and get him onside quickly in order to stem any lingering resentment towards his appointment. [LNB]BEAT MANCHESTER UNITED: Despite the furore that has greeted Hughes's sacking, many City fans have been supportive of the change. [LNB]The doubters still need convincing, but Mancini will claim universal popularity if he can guide City through next month's Carling Cup semi-final with Manchester United and secure a place in the Final. [LNB]

Source: Telegraph