Uefa’s Financial Fair play rules are hitting home at Manchester City as the club bids for its first title in 44 years. Manager Roberto Mancini has been told that the Abu Dhabi owners will no longer sanction spending sprees as the club struggles to comply with the rules following losses of £195m in 2011.
Uefa’s Financial Fair play rules are hitting home at Manchester City as the club bids for its first title in 44 years. Manager Roberto Mancini has been told that the Abu Dhabi owners will no longer sanction spending sprees as the club struggles to comply with the rules following losses of £195m in 2011.
Injuries to players and the prolonged absence of Yaya and Kol Touré at the African Nations Cup have convinced Mancini that he needs to strengthen the squad during the January transfer window. However, for the first time since Sheikh Mansour has been in charge there is pressure to move on players like Wayne Bridge before new signings can be made.
Mancini fears that he may be denied new funds even if he sells Carlos Tévez for over £20m. Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi could be available for as little as £5m but it is his wage demands, said to be Tévez level, that are the problem.
By going public in this way and making his concerns known Mancini has put some pressure on the owners. It is interesting how relationships between manager and owner can be played out in the media.