The Blues’ boss headed off for his summer break confident that his squad will hit the ground running next season.
“I think the most important thing I try to instil in my players is that they must always believe that they can win – we need a winning mentality at this club because eventually, it pays off,” he said.
“It doesn’t happen overnight and can take maybe six or eight months to really be absorbed, but if you are prepared to work hard every game, you will always have a chance of being successful.
“It’s a simple observation, but very true - you can’t win anything without working hard.”
Mancini’s record as both a player and a manager is impeccable, with countless titles and trophies won during his days with Sampdoria, Lazio, Fiorentina and Inter Milan.
He believes, with the addition of one or two new faces, the foundations are already in place for City to challenge not just for a Champions League berth next season, but the title itself – something the Blues haven’t won for 42 years.
“I want to win a lot of trophies with this club,” he said. “We did OK this season, but next season I want us to aim to win the Premier League.
I think our fans are incredible and they have been wonderfully supportive to me since I first arrived.
...Roberto Mancini
“It makes me more determined than ever to bring them success – when we win our first trophy it will be a very good moment for everyone, I think.”
Roberto will now spend some time with his family and will watch the World Cup with his son, though he won’t be attending the final, even if Italy make it all the way.
“I will be back at Carrington working when the final is on,” he smiled.
