Mario Balotelli has echoed the sentiments of Sven-Goran Eriksson by insisting Roberto Mancini remains the best man to manage Manchester City.
Mancini ‘s future has again been brought into question in recent weeks with City falling 12 points behind rivals Manchester United in the Premier League title race.
The resumption of the Champions League this month has also served as a reminder for City’s own failings on the European stage after they failed to qualify for the knockout stages for a second successive season.
In an exclusive interview with Sport360 last week, former City boss Eriksson, now technical director at Dubai club Al Nasr, said he was confident the Italian could bring further success to the Etihad Stadium.
“I think the players still want to play for Mancini,” said the Swede. “He is a good coach and pressure, I don’t think he feels it. He feels it obviously, but I don’t think it disturbs him, he has been in that seat so many times.”
Balotelli has added to the calls for City’s Abu Dhabi owners to standby Mancini, insisting he still has the backing of the players while doubting there is another manager in world football that could do better.
Mancini declared himself the “best manager in England” earlier this week and Balotelli – who had his fair share of run-ins with his former boss during his time at City – doesn’t disagree.
“There is nobody better for City,” Balotelli was quoted as saying by The Sun. “Most importantly, the players like him. If you asked who they want next season, every single player would say Roberto. He’s not just their coach but also their friend.”
He added: “Look at the success Roberto has had — the FA Cup and a first championship in over 40 years. Even Alex Ferguson does not win a trophy every year — but he always comes back.”
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