Source: Daily_Mail
Mancini Sheiks on it: Man City boss met owner weeks before Hughes was axed
Manchester City's attempts to defend their conduct over the sacking of Mark Hughes fell apart last night when new boss Roberto Mancini revealed that he met club owner Sheik Mansour at the start of this month.[LNB]At a remarkable and hostile Eastlands press conference, City's under-fire chief executive Garry Cook claimed the decision to sack Hughes was taken after last Wednesday's defeat at Tottenham.[LNB]But Mancini unwittingly provided an insight into how serious City were about recruiting him when he said that he met the Sheik and City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak in London at the start of the month.[LNB] City slicker: New boss Mancini at Eastlands on Monday[LNB]'I met the owner of the club, the Sheik, two weeks ago in London,' he said. 'We met only to speak in general, on football. It's normal.[LNB]'We met to discuss this situation, to speak on football. He wanted to know about what I felt about Manchester City. In Italy this kind of thing is normal. It's normal for people in football to do this. I met both the Sheik and Khaldoon.'[LNB]VIDEO: Manchester City chief Garry Cook goes on defensive at Roberto Mancini's unveilingDespite Cook's suggestion in a statement that the meeting was exploratory, the fact that the Sheik flew from Abu Dhabi for the meeting would indicate it was more serious than suggested.[LNB]Cook said: 'The decision to look at managerial options was taken only three weeks ago after the Hull game, but it is important for people to know Roberto was only offered the job after the Spurs game. We negotiated on Thursday and finalised his agreement on Friday.[LNB] Stormy: Mancini and chief executive Garry Cook at Monday's press conference[LNB]'The chairman has been transparent with the manager (Hughes) throughout his tenure.'[LNB]Cook refused to take questions but Mancini said: 'I'm sorry for Mark. But when you start these jobs, this kind of situation is always possible.'[LNB]Mancini, whose contract is for three-and-a-half years, met the players and introduced his new staff, thought to include Ivan Carminati and Fausto Salsano.[LNB] Farewell: Mark Hughes[LNB]Mancini also dispelled fears that Craig Bellamy may ask to leave. He wanted Cook to explain Hughes's sacking and considered his future. He has since decided to take stock of the situation.[LNB]Barcelona also claim their pursuit of Robinho is at an end after City refused a loan deal.[LNB] VIDEO: Manchester City chief Garry Cook goes on defensive at Roberto Mancini's unveiling as Mark Hughes' successorVIDEO: Roberto Mancini's first press conference as Manchester City managerRoberto Mancini eyes Premier League title within 18 months after taking reins at Manchester CityFurious Craig Bellamy threatens to follow Mark Hughes out of Manchester City - putting Tottenham on alertRoberto Mancini determined to topple United as he calls for Manchester City to repeat his Inter Milan glory daysMANCHESTER CITY FC NEWS ROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB] [LNB]
