Manchester City chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak has squashed speculation that Roberto Mancini will be sacked this summer iand revealed the Blues boss will be given "all the tools he needs" to make the club a success.
As Mancini was installed as successor to Mark Hughes in December and given the stated target of reaching 70 points or cementing a top-four berth, Wednesday night's defeat to Tottenham, which means the Blues will just miss out on both counts, has been interpreted by some as the death knell for his reign.
But Khaldoon told the club's official website: "There is no speculation. Roberto has done an excellent job. I am very happy and (owner) Sheikh Mansour is delighted with the way he has organised the team."
He added: "With a good pre-season to prepare for next season he (Mancini) is going to do a wonderful job for us next season and for many years.
"I have the highest regard for him as a human being and as a person and believe he is definitely the right manager for this club for many years."
Although many would argue the Blues have performed no better than was the case when Hughes was at the helm, the argument from those inside the club is that the Welshman let himself down with a lack of communication with senior figures inside the club, particularly football director Brian Marwood, whose influence is so strong.
Khaldoon certainly sees enough progress to be reasonably satisfied with City's efforts this term.
"We made a big leap last year," he said. "It is a different team now, especially in the last couple of months. This is a much more organised team.
"Roberto is driven and committed. He has a winning mentality. He wants to achieve things and has the interests of the club at heart.
"What he needs this summer is time to prepare. We know the areas which need to be improved and the manager will be given all the tools he needs to be well prepared for next season."
Source: PA
