Mancini deflects blame from Manchester City and his double contract
The Italian national team coach, Roberto Mancini, said at the press conference ahead of the match against Turkey that the alleged double contract he had with Manchester City “is not a problem that concerns me”. The interview, released in an official Video, took place while Italy prepares for the Nations League fixture.
Double contract revealed
Mancini admitted having signed two separate agreements during his spell at the English club: a base salary of £1.45 million and a consultancy that paid him £1.75 million from the Abu Dhabi club Al‑Jazira, controlled by the City owner. The information comes from documents published by the German magazine Der Spiegel in 2018.
Mancini's reactions
The former Italian coach maintained that “I do not think Manchester City has been found guilty, on the contrary” and reiterated that “Manchester City is not at fault and the double contract is not my problem, but theirs”. He added that the issue “is not new, it arises every four or five years”.
Financial case context
The Manchester City case before the Premier League covers alleged breaches between the 2009‑10 and 2017‑18 seasons, including lack of transparency in payments to players and coaches. The investigation also spans the club’s cooperation from 2018 to 2023, with a hearing that concluded in December 2024.
Italy seeks revival in Turkey under a Klopp-style revolution
Since the club’s purchase by the Abu Dhabi ruling family in 2008, Manchester City has amassed 26 major trophies, including eight Premier League titles and four FA Cups, as well as the 2023 treble. The possible sanction could affect the perception of those achievements.
President Khaldoon Al Mubarak has defended the club’s innocence, sending a letter to supporters in which he states that the confidence and intention to prove innocence remain as strong as at the start of the process.
Italian journalist Daniele Fisichella described Mancini’s statements as “very brave” and warned that they could turn against him if Manchester City is found guilty in the final verdict.