European failure cost Mancini, claims Tueart

Former Manchester City player Dennis Tueart believes Roberto Mancini was sacked due to his failures in Europe.

Mancini, who was sacked as City boss on Monday night, failed to guide his side to a single victory in this season’s UEFA Champions League, finishing bottom of a group including Ajax, Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid.

Tueart, 63, made more than 200 appearances for City and says it was this failure to conquer Europe rather than not retaining the Premier League or the FA Cup which has led to officials at the Etihad Stadium to look elsewhere for a new manager.

“With due respect to Roberto Mancini I think even he would admit his European adventure’s been a disaster,” Tueart said.

“They were knocked out in the group stage of the Champions League, and even knocked out of the Europa League. That probably was one of the performances which perhaps not sealed his fate but certainly sent them on a downward spiral.”

Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini is being tipped as the man to replace Mancini but Tueart said it was a shame to see the Italian go, given that he won City their first Premier League title last season.

“I’m disappointed in one way because I felt he brought us those fantastic successes in the early years,” he said.

“But this last year it’s been a little bit disappointing when you’re trying to build a team spirit and unity and he’s come out and openly criticised individual players and even criticised senior executives at the club.

“To be successful you have to have that spirit, that unified approach in any organisation and that’s what disappointed me.”