The Telegraph report that the big clubs of Europe are ready to see if there is any lasting damage between Roberto Mancini and his captain Vincent Kompany after their recent fall out.
Barcelona have been long time admirers of Kompany and with Bayern Munich soon to be managed by Pep Guardiola, they will also be interested if the player shows an interest in leaving Eastlands. Real Madrid are more in the market for an attacking player but would always welcome the chance to pinch a player from under the nose of Barcelona.
Kompany recently went against Mancini’s instructions and played for Belgium in a World Cup qualifier. Kompany had not played for City for two months but was fit enough to play in his country’s 1-0 win over Macedonia.
Belgium are tied at the top of their group with Croatia and Kompany is desperate to help his country qualify for the World Cup.
It is not the first time Mancini has publicly fell out with one of his players. There was the time when Carlos Tevez went on strike plus numerous incidents involving Mario Balotelli.
What this latest incident brings into question is how much respect does Mancini command from his players? Carlos Tevez went on strike for half a season but was back in the team to receive a title winner’s medal despite Mancini swearing the player would never play for him again.
Players publicly disobeying Mancini
Now Mancini orders Kompany not to take part for Belgium but he does anyway, because he is desperate to get his country to a World Cup.
Last season when Man City won the league these problems didn’t seem to be visible from the outside of the club. However, after a feeble defence of their title and poor Champions League campaign, Mancini and his men have come under the microscope.
All is well when his team is winning, but when they are not, Mancini seems to be unable to control his players. But worse still than that, Mancini seems to be unable to control himself, too often allowing these disagreements to play out in public.
With the blatant disobedience and lack of respect from his players, Mancini’s position is weakened and the fans and media question whether he is the man to lead the side in the future.
It is a vicious circle as more pressure gets put on Mancini, and his every decision is scrutinised further. A pattern that can’t continue if Mancini is to remain in charge at City. He needs to get his players back in line, and keep any disagreements in house from here on in.