Mancini sacked by City

Gone ... Manchester City's Italian manager Roberto Mancini gets the axe. Source: Andrew Yates / AFP

Manchester City have sacked manager Roberto Mancini - a year to the day since delivering the club's first English title in 44 years.

The 48-year-old Italian, who replaced Mark Hughes in 2009, won the FA Cup in 2011 and broke the club's 44-year top-flight title drought when City claimed the Barclays Premier League crown in dramatic fashion in the final moments of last season.

But 2012-2013 has not gone to plan, finishing second to United, while enduring a poor UEFA Champions League campaign, where they failed to get out of their group. After constant rumours of player and staff unrest, the final straw appeared to be the weekend's FA Cup final loss to Wigan. 

A club statement read: "It is with regret that Manchester City Football Club announces that Roberto Mancini has been relieved of his duties as manager.

"This has been a difficult decision for the owner, Chairman and Board to make and it is the outcome of a planned end of season review process that has been brought forward in light of recent speculation and out of respect for Roberto and his extensive contributions to the football club.

"Despite everyone's best efforts, the club has failed to achieve any of its stated targets this year, with the exception of qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League.

"This, combined with an identified need to develop a holistic approach to all aspects of football at the Club, has meant that the decision has been taken to find a new manager for the 2013/14 season and beyond." 

But Manuel Pellegrini, the man many tip to take over from the Italian, denied that a deal has been done. 

Speaking after Malaga's 0-0 draw with Sevilla on the weekend, the Chilean said: "I deny here and now being the new manager of Manchester City," Pellegrini told a press conference. "I have not signed an agreement with anyone, not with Manchester City, not with Roma, not with Napoli, not with PSG, not with any of the clubs who have been mentioned.

"I've been fortunate enough, and very proud, that every year the big clubs have shown an interest in me.

"I had a date agreed with Malaga not to talk to anyone and I have no agreement with anyone.

"In the next few days I hope to clarify a bit what the future will be here in the club."

Mancini's assistant Brian Kidd will likely take charge away to Reading on Wednesday (EST) and then at home to Norwich.

Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: "Roberto’s record speaks for itself and he has the respect and gratitude of Sheikh Mansour, myself and the board for all of his hard work and commitment over the last three and a half years. 

"He has clearly also secured the love and respect of our fans. He has done as he promised and delivered silverware and success, breaking the club’s 35-year trophy drought and securing the title in 2012. 

"I would like to personally and publicly thank him for his dedication to the progress that he has overseen and for his support and continued friendship." 

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