Skip to content

Mancini would take over Leicester if it had 'a big, valid project'

Action Images

Although Craig Shakespeare seems to be making a good fist of the Leicester City job, Roberto Mancini said he would consider taking over if his and the club's ambitions aligned.

The former Manchester City and Inter Milan handler played five times on a loan spell at Leicester in 2001 until personal reasons and fitness issues brought his playing days to an end at 36.

Despite this unfortunate brief stint, Mancini has often cited this as the time when he fell in love with the English game, and perhaps his latest comments may signal a return.

"I played for the Foxes and I am one of their fans, but that does not necessarily mean I will be their manager," said Mancini, as translated by ESPN FC's Ben Gladwell.

"I've never had any sort of contact with their directors, but then again if they do have a big, valid project in mind..."

He added: "I want to manage abroad again and I'd also like to manage the national team. I don't know where my future lies right now, though.

"Sometimes, managers end up where they are least expected."

Mancini made a surprising career choice in opting to oversee Galatasaray in Turkey after leading Manchester City to silverware after decades of underachievement. Given his success in England, a return would not be completely out of the blue, but would prove a shock if he's preferred to Shakespeare this summer after the coach has guided the Foxes to four straight wins since Claudio Ranieri's sacking.

Leicester's revival has earned a Champions League last-eight clash against Atletico Madrid, but the east Midlands outfit first contends with Premier League matches against Stoke City, Sunderland, and Everton before travelling to the Spanish capital.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox