Manchester City Football Club News

• Nickname:Sky Blues
• Founded:1887
• Manager:Roberto Mancini

• Ground:City of Manchester Stadium
• Capacity:48,000

Mancini wants more from Vieira

31 Mar 2010 - 13:07:32

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Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has admitted Patrick Vieira 'could improve' his performances after coming under fire.

Vieira, 33, was preferred to Gareth Barry for Monday's 3-0 victory over Wigan Athletic but his latest performance has been heavily criticised.

The veteran France midfielder arrived on a free transfer in January in a bid to add some experience to the City ranks but his acquisition from Internazionale has not been universally popular.

"Patrick could improve," Mancini told the Manchester Evening News.

"Patrick could be an important player in the final weeks of the season.

"He didn't play against Everton because I wanted him against Wigan."

Mancini has admitted that England midfielder Barry is likely to return to the starting line-up in Vieira's place for Saturday's trip to Burnley.