Brian Kidd, Manchester City’s caretaker manager for the remainder of the season, said that the firing of Roberto Mancini on Monday came as a shock to theManchester City players and staff. Since the Italian’s dismissal, first-team coach David Platt, defensive specialist Angelo Gregucci and reserve team coachAtillo Lombardo have all resigned, taking the total City backroom staff exodus to six since Mancini’s departure.
“I got to be honest, if you were to ask me after what has gone inthe last 48 hours, it has all come as a shock to the staff,” Kidd said after the 2-0 win at home to Reading on Tuesday, a result that cemented second place for City. “We are not greedy,but we don’t have to qualify for the Champions League now and that is the least we should have done this season.”
He added: “All credit to the players. They have had tohave put up with a lot of stuff [since Wembley] and it would have been a travesty if we had not finished second. We appreciate the fans, they would have been so disappointed on Saturday, but we havecome back for them tonight.”
Pellegrini is not yet confirmed but he remains the odds-on favorite to replace Mancini, as Malaga said it would release him for free this summer.