Don't lay the blame at Pellegrini's door for the mess at City

After crashing out of the Champions League this week, many have been calling for the head of Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini.

Despite having a very successful season last year, winning the league and cup double, City currently find themselves six points behind league leaders Chelsea and out of all knock-out cup competitions.

Although you can't expect to win trophies every year, the Manchester City fans expect their team to be at the very least competitive, something which they haven't been at all this season.

Under pressure manager Manuel Pellegrini
Photo: London Evening Standard

In terms of their failings in the Champions League these past two years, yes Pellegrini must certainly take his fair share of the blame. His decision to play two in midfield in the first leg against Barcelona was incredibly naive and the fact that he didn't know that one more goal in that win in Munich would've seen them top the group was scandalous.


But instead I look at the guys who run the club. Their decision to sack Roberto Mancini in 2013 was shocking. He had built a strong squad and delivered trophies. He was also very close to signing a player who would've helped them retain the title in Robin Van Persie. But the chief exec. and the director of football faffed about trying to re-negotiate his agreed terms. This went on for months and in the end Fergie stepped in and offered Van Persie what he wanted. The Dutchman signed for United, scored bucket loads of goals that season and almost single handedly won them the title.

Former City boss Roberto Mancini waving goodbye after being sacked in 2013
Photo: The Daily Mirror

But this isn't the only example of the guys at the top cocking up the club's transfers. Mancini was close to bringing in Eden Hazard and Edison Cavani until the club's owners sacked him. Since then they've spent £327m on transfers. And how many of their signings are currently in the starting XI? Most weeks - just two! What an absolute joke.


They also didn't take control of the dressing room mutiny that was taking place. The players didn't like being forced out of their comfort zone by Mancini so they ganged up against him and begged the owners to get rid of him. The owners gave the players their wish and by doing so effectively put the players in charge of the club.

So City fans, don't take your anger out on your manager but instead on those upstairs who sacked his his successful predecessor, mucked around with his transfers and most likely won't back him when the players come calling for his head.