Roberto Mancini says he could be sacked in the summer if his Manchester City side do not win the title this season, despite him leading City to their highest Premier League position and biggest points haul.
Mancini insists City’s hierarchy are aware of how far the Blues have come under him, and of the importance of stability.
“I hope they do, because of what’s happened over the last two years here,” he said. “But I know football very well.
“I left Inter after winning seven trophies and I still had a four-year contract. So in football anything can happen in any moment. Like the title race, things can change in one week.
“It’s the same regarding my future. When you choose this job you know anything can happen.
“I don’t have a problem with this because when you work hard for your job and improve your team, that’s the important thing.”
Asked if he felt it was unfair that his future at City was being questioned, when the club is still pushing for the title, Mancini said:
“For me it’s not important.
“I have one year left on my contract. I started this job two-and-a-half years ago and since then we have improved a lot as a team, as players and as a club.
“This is important when you have a new team. I’ve been in this world a long time and I know that you can lose this title [job].
“But what’s important to me is that the squad has improved a lot over the last two years.
“I think we’re progressing, but I don’t decide this. I do the best in my job and after I don’t decide the situation.”
Mancini’s contract situation makes this a crucial summer for City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak. Does he give Mancini a new three or four contract and tie the future of the club to the Italian manager? Or does he get rid of Mancini and go in a different direction with a new manager this summer?
Big decision for Man City’s officials. What do you think they will do. Will they sign Mancini to a new deal or will they fire him this summer?