Manchester City sack Roberto Mancini as Manuel Pellegrini is set to take over

Roberto Mancini has been sacked by Manchester City with Manuel Pellegrini, the Málaga coach, set to take over from the Italian following weeks of speculation that the club's board wanted the Chilean to replace him.

Mancini’s future grew more precarious following reports in Spain that emerged on the eve of City’s FA Cup final defeat by Wigan Athletic on Saturday and by the following day it became clear that the Abu Dhabi hierarchy had lost all confidence in him.

With City playing at Reading tonight (8pm) and the club remaining in London to train for the game following the final, Mancini faced the prospect of taking charge of the side at the Madejski Stadium as effectively a dead man walking.

This would have been uncomfortable for the manager and placed City in an unedifying light so the decision to sack Mancini may well have come as a relief to both parties.

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

'Difficult decision'
"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.”

The 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."

Kidd role
Mancini's assistant Brian Kidd will take charge for the remaining two games of the season as well as the post-season tour to the United States.

After leading City to a first title in 44 years last season, Mancini signed a fresh five-year contract worth at least £35 million, which would have included a substantial pay-off in the event of his dismissal.
Guardian Service