5 Managers Who Could Replace Roberto Mancini at Machester City

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After another 0-0 draw this weekend, Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini may have to start looking over his shoulder in terms of his tenure at The City of Manchester Stadium.

With his negative tactics and what seem to be very defensive formations, the Italian may just be starting to get under the skin of the demanding City faithful.

Here we take a look at five possible replacements for Mancini, if it ever came to that.

Roberto Mancini is the Manchester City manager and should remain in the hot-seat at least until the end of the season.

But if results and form do not improve, then don't be surprised if the owners again look for a change on the bench.

5. Martin O'Niel - Unattached

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Martin O'Neil. The name is very highly rated within the British game.

As the manager of Leicester City, Celtic and Aston Villa he has carved out a reputation as an inspirational coach.

Could he be the answer for Manchester City:

Pros

• An ex-Machetser City player. Although only brief he knows the club.
• Extensive experience of British football.
• His willingness to put faith into talented youngsters.

Cons

• His temperament could be called into question.
• Does he have the desire and the mental attributes to take over such a big club?
• His questionable record in the transfer market.

Likelihood: 1/5

4. Jurgen Klopp- Borussia Dortmund

Jurgen Klopp maybe a name not known to many outside of Germany.

But not for too much longer. He and his Borussia Dortmund side are making waves in the Bundesliga, already 15 points clear of perennial superpower Bayern Munich.

Klopp has been in charge of Dortmund for just over two years. Before that he was coach of Mainz-where he played over 200 games-for eight years.

So could Jurgen Klopp be the answer:

Pros

• Very strong leadership qualities and a deep desire to succeed
• The ability to work with a number of young players on a limited budget
• Young ambitious coach

 

Cons

• Lack of exposure to European competition.
• No experience at a bigger club or dealing with bigger players.
• Never won a major trophy.

Likelihood: 2/5

3. Didier Deschamps- Marsielle

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As a player Didier Deschamps won just about all you could win as a player.

As a manager he has started off in pretty much the same vein.

After starting out with Monanco, who he guided to the 2004 Champions League Final.

From there he moved to Juventus. They were demoted to Siere B for the 'Calciopoli' match-fixing scandal, but were successful in gaining promotion at the first attempt.

In 2009 he took over at Marsielle and lead them to their first title in 18 years.

Pros

• Successful player/manager who knows how to manage a big club.
• Experienced at winning league titles.
• Can handle the pressure of working for over-expectant owners.

Cons

• Lack of ambition, could be made against Deschamps.
• Limited success in the transfer market
• Little knowledge of the English game.

 

Likelihood- 3/5

2. Luciano Spalletti- Zenit St Petersburg

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After an ordinary playing career, Luciano Spalletti has burst onto the world football scene as a truly superb coach.

Currently plying his trade in Russia, where he has just led Zenit Saint Petersburg to the league title.

Spalletti though is best remembered for his spell in charge of Siere A's AS Roma, where he won two Coppa Italia's and played a unique style of attacking football.

Although sometimes playing without 'an out an' striker, his side were on the most attractive for a few seasons.

Pros

• Inspired tactician who isn't afraid to go after a win.
• Has the ability to work with any kind of player, probably the best coach in the world.
• Has a winning mentality.

Cons

• Questions would be raised if whether or not he could cope with British media.
• Very little experience within the transfer market.
• Would fans be happy with another Italian manager.

Likelihood: 3/5

1. Jose Mourinho- Real Madrid

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Who else other than Jose Mourinho?

The man who has revolutionised football over the last decade, is today the biggest name in world football.

For a good reason too, after leading Porto and Inter Milan to Champions league success, and pioneering the 'Abramovich' era at Chelsea.

At the start of this season though he was given his stiffest test to date—taking over at Real Madrid.

With Florentino Perez notoriously impatient, who knows how long he'll last in Madrid.

So could Jose be the answer for City:

Pros

• He is Jose Mourinho
• An inspiration, tactician and man-manager all in one.
• A simply flawless record.

Cons

• He is Jose Mourinho
• His ego could prove to be a problem.
• Always willing to put his point of view across.

Likelihood: 4/5