Went it comes to astute appointments for any team, bringing in Txiki Begiristain as director of football is certainly ranked particularly highly. The latest Manchester City capture was formally announced over the weekend in a move that has been welcomed by many associated with the club.
The Spaniard is credited with transforming the fortunes of Barcelona, having been a member of the board that aided in the respective appointments of Frank Rijkaard in 2003 and Pep Guardiola in 2008 before leaving his role in 2010 following the departure of then president Joan Laporta.
Despite interest from Tottenham Hotspur, it was unsurprising to see Begiristain head to City, with the money and blueprint on offer a defining factor in his decision. Nevertheless, there is one man who should be worried following his appointment: manager Roberto Mancini.
The Italian has come under scrutiny over the past week following the 3-1 defeat to Ajax in the Champions League, in which the City boss made a surprise tactical switch, altering his formation to 3-5-2, prior to the Eredivisie side’s second goal of the game.
Following the loss, Micah Richards admits he was dumbfounded by the switch by Mancini, a sentiment echoed by teammate Joleon Lescott. Critics have been quick to pounce upon the Italian’s tactical blunder and for the right reasons.
Currently propping up Group D with one point from the opening three games, the City hierarchy are likely to expect an improvement on last season’s Champions League campaign, which saw the Citizens finish third, before crashing out of the Europa League at the expense of Sporting Lisbon.
However, even that may not be enough to save him from the sack come May. Yes, Mancini may’ve been handed a five-year deal, but it isn’t as though City can’t afford to pay him off. Furthermore, the chance to appoint Guardiola, of whom Begiristain played an instrumental role in keeping him at the Camp Nou following a stuttering start to life as head coach, may sway the decision to relieve Mancini of his duties.
With City lagging following a poor start to domestic duties, Mancini will have to work hard in order to bat away the reports that Guardiola will replace him in the summer and with Begiristain now involved; it has certainly been that much harder for the former Inter Milan boss.
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