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Afternoon Ticker: Mancini targets top four, Guardiola’s future uncertain and more

Roberto Mancini 1 (Getty Images) 

by FRANCO PANIZO

Manchester City officially introduced Roberto Mancini as its new manager on Monday, and the Italian is ready to take the Premier League by storm.

Mancini, who agreed to a three-and-a-half-year deal with City, is eyeing a top four finish this season, and hopes to win the Premiership in 2010-2011. While his lofty aspirations are sure to come with their fair share of pressure, Mancini said he does not feel a burden, and credited his four-year stint with Inter Milan in 2004-2008 for that.

Mancini was also sympathetic towards his predecessor, Mark Hughes, who was fired on Dec. 19 following Manchester City's 4-3 win at home over Sunderland.

Here are some more stories from Monday:

Guardiola's Barcelona future unclear

FC Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has been arguably the most successful manager over the past 18 months, leading his team to an unprecedented six trophies in that span, but Guardiola may not return to the club for the 2010-2011 season.

Guardiola's contract with the Spanish giants expires at season's end, and the 38-year-old has yet to reveal his plans, casting a shadow of doubt over his future with the club. Club president Joan Laporta believes Guardiola wants to continue as Barcelona manager, but that he wants to carefully think it over before making a decision.

England schedule Egypt friendly

If U.S. national team fans want to get a look at World Cup opponent England at full strength before the World Cup, then the Three Lions' upcoming friendly against Egypt should suffice.

England has scheduled a friendly against Egypt at Wembley Stadium on March 3, the only official FIFA date prior to the World Cup. The game will give England an opportunity to fine tune itself, while also providing a test against an African foe.

England, who opens up their World Cup against the United States on June 12, also plays Algeria and Slovenia in Group C.

Almeria fire Hugo Sanchez

Former Mexico national team head coach Hugo Sanchez is now former Almeria head coach too.

Sanchez was relieved of his duties from the La Liga club on Monday after losing to Espanyol, 2-0, this past weekend, the club's fourth loss in its past fives games. Almeria currently sit one point above the relegation zone.

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What do you think of Mancini's goals? Do you see Guardiola staying with Barcelona? Like the England-Egypt match? Where will Sanchez wind up next?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. After putting up with R-Ho for several years at Real Madrid, I can tell you two things: the guy has mad skills, but he is a complete mental case. He just does not have the emotional stability needed to function as a top-notch footballer (granted it does not take much — see Best, George and Rooney, Wayne).

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  2. I am of two minds on this. First, why in the world would this guy be in any jeopardy? But two, it would be hard for any manager (even Sanchez!) to lose with a side like Barca’s.

    It’s kind of a Phil Jackson complex. Yes, he has won a bunch of titles but look at the players he has coached over the years.

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  3. Various internet sites report that RobinHo has asked for a meeting with Mancini. Last year his complaint was that City didn’t have the quality to compete.

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  4. Not at all.

    He’s a Mexican Football Hero and deservedly so but as a manager he’s HATED with all CAPS and has continued to prove that he’s a F…up when it comes to managing.

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  5. Guardiola has done something that no manager in the history of the game has done. Win 6 titles in your first season as a manager – basically he won everything Barca played in, even the damn playstation tournament — LOL.

    He’ll be back but not discussing it continues to show how good a tactician he is. All about the money on this one. He will get paid GDP money when it’s all said and done and he deserves every damn penney of it.

    Very smart man to not discuss his business in the open.

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  6. not terribly convincing, but i think Sanchez would be a good and realistic addition to the MLS, especially Chicago.

    I hope all of this holding out turns into something worth waiting for.

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  7. A Mancini-led City side is going to be a dangerous opponent. Given their roster, if the ‘revolt’ is being blown out of proportion as I suspect, then his defensive style combined with that attacking talent should be very tough to beat. Oh wait, they’re already tough to beat. Scary stuff for teams that have to play them at Eastlands in the second half of the season.

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  8. I would check out this page from Greg Lalas and his piece on why MLS teams should look at Sanchez as a coach. Im not saying that they should go for it, but he does bring up some good points. And honestly, he seems like he could bring attention to the MLS through the media because of his big personality, even if it is to big for him. I would not be opposed for some teams to think this over.

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  9. “Pep Guardiola has been arguably the most successful manager over the past 18 months”

    I would say he has DEFINITELY been the most successful manager over the past 18 months. 6 titles with any group of players is a huge accomplishment.

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  10. Thanks for the newsbreak on that fresh Nov 18 kit gossip. The white version is the only thing worth pondering, as it actually came from some sort of R&D video, but it would be quite the fitting coincidence if US soccer had already decided on the retro sash look before we even drew England.

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  11. so long sanchez, good riddance. He’s gotta be dreaming about coaching Real, he can’t even keep a talented mexican team together

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