City ace: Mancini can emulate Fergie

Yaya Toure delighted with Mancini extension

By Zain Alvi | 11th July 2012

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has backed manager Roberto Mancini to continue building a winning formula at Eastlands, much like Sir Alex Ferguson has done over a very long period of time at cross-town rivals United.

Toure has expressed his delight at Mancini’s decision to sign a new five-year deal with last season’s Premier League winners and hopes that the foundation has been laid for further success under the Italian.

“I was very happy to hear the news that our manager has signed a new five-year deal. It is important for this club to have stability at all levels, especially after we have just won the title and the FA Cup the season before,” Toure asserted.

The 29-year old added: “It means there will be no changes or disruption to what has proved a winning formula and for the long term, that can only be good for Manchester City.

“Now the manager can continue to build this club and plan for the future – let’s not forget Sir Alex Ferguson has been at Manchester United for 25 years and they haven’t done too badly over the years.”

Mancini and Fergie led their clubs to a thrilling 2011-12 Premier League battle that was only resolved on the final day of last season.

The pair even clashed at the touchline during City’s massive 1-0 win over the Red Devils at the Etihad Stadium towards the final stages of the season but with Mancini’s decision to prolong his stay, it appears that there is a lot more to come ahead in this exciting rivalry.