Breaking News: Roberto Mancini lashes out at his players as Shay Given reveals his manager’s anger
Manchester City’s goalkeeper Shay Given has come out and revealed that City’s manager Roberto Mancini lost his temper during City’s match against Salzburg in mid-week in the Europa League group stages. Mancini, who is known as a mild character at worst,
lashed out at his team as they failed to capitalize on the chances that fell their way during the first half of the encounter at the City of Manchester Stadium.
Mancini, who was a remarkable footballer during his more youthful days, has been known to hold his team to his own high standards. The Italian manager's rough approach worked wonders for City as after a blunt first half they netted two goals in the second
one as they ran out as eventual winners by three goals to nil.
City’s first goal came in the first half of the game through their Italian striker, Mario Balotelli as he connected effectively with a Paolo Zabaleta cross. However, despite the fact that several chances fell their way, City failed to take a healthy lead
into the second half of their match against Red Bull Salzburg. In the second half, City scored two more goals as their second one came through Mario Balotelli yet again before Adam Johnson sealed the win with an amazing solo effort.
Given said after the match, "The manager was really upset at half-time, he felt we could have done better. We improved in the second half; we got a couple of goals and could have scored more. We are delighted with the three goals and myself and the guys
at the back are happy with a clean sheet as well."
Given has had a frustrating time at City in the 2010-2011 season as his place in the first team has been taken over by Joe Hart. The Englishman has usurped the Irishman in goal but Given was complimentary of City’s fans. He said, "The fans have been fantastic
since day one. It was nice they remembered my name. It was good to pull the shirt back on and play. Joe is having a great season and so you have to bide your time."
With their win over Salzburg, City confirmed their place in the last sixteen teams of the Europa League. Nonetheless, they do have one more group stage match to play against the Italian giants Juventus. City’s goalkeeper voiced his opinion on his team’s
chances in the competition. He said, "That would be fantastic and to pick up the trophy there (in Dublin) would be great. Although there will be tough games ahead there is no reason why we cannot go all the way. For the moment we are delighted to get through
to the next stage. It would be nice to finish the group as leaders. We did not want it to go down to the last game against Juventus."
City’s manager concluded the press conference as he praised Mario Balotelli for his brace against Salzburg. Mancini said, "I know he can play better than this. Can he get stronger, fitter? Absolutely."
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