Roberto Mancini: Man City exit because of poor relationships

Roberto Mancini was sacked as Manchester City manager for his poor communication and relationships with players and executives. 

The Italian's failure to pay enough attention to developing young players was also behind his exit, reports BBC sports editor David Bond.

City's preferred candidate to take over is Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini, although no deal has been done.

Assistant manager Brian Kidd will take temporary charge of the first team. 

He will be at the helm for the final two league games of the season - against Reading on Tuesday and Norwich on Sunday - as well as a post-season tour to the United States at the end of May, which gives City some breathing space to bring in Mancini's successor.

Mancini's last game in charge at the club was the FA Cup final defeat by Wigan at Wembley. The 48-year-old Italian was dismissed on Monday - a year to the day after steering City to the league title.