Manchester City vs Norwich City Preview: Tueart - Swift action was way to go

Posted Saturday, May 18, 2013 by PA

Manchester City great Dennis Tueart believes the club were right to get the decision to sack Roberto Mancini out of the way this week.

On Monday, City axed the manager who memorably brought them Premier League success last year and FA Cup victory in 2011 after a disappointing campaign.

With the club still second in the table and runners-up in the FA Cup it seemed a brutal decision but Mancini's position was always likely to be reviewed at the end of the season.

After three days of intense speculation and defeat by Wigan at Wembley that decision was brought forward and results were not the only factor considered.

Tueart, who had two spells at City in the 1970s and 1980s and later served as a director, feels if the club wanted to remove Mancini, it was better done sooner rather than later.

Tueart told Press Association Sport: "Obviously we don't know what goes on behind the scenes but the owners have decided that is the move they want to make.

"If you are going to make the decision, because of what was happening in the press with things coming out, it was best to make a break. If you are going to do it, do it without dragging your feet.

"We couldn't improve our position in the league, we were guaranteed a Champions League place, had virtually guaranteed second position and didn't have anything else to play for.

"So, after losing the FA Cup final, let's just get things in the past and plan for the future as soon as we can. The more time you have to plan for the future the better."

City wrap up their season at home to Norwich with nothing but pride at stake having secured second spot by beating Reading on Tuesday.

Defender Kolo Toure and striker Sergio Aguero are the chief injury doubts after limping off in midweek but Pablo Zabaleta returns from suspension.

Tueart added: "You've now got to look forward very quickly and finish the season on a high.

"I think you have to be respectful to the City supporters who will turn up in their thousands on Sunday.

"I'll be there myself and I am sure it will be a great occasion.

"I'm pleased Norwich have avoided relegation and everybody will want to finish the season with a flourish."

Defender Javier Garrido is grateful Norwich did not leave their Barclays Premier League rescue act down to the last day of the season.

Last weekend's 4-0 home win against West Brom secured Norwich's top-flight status and meant Garrido can go back to his former club and enjoy trying to put one over on his big football pal and compatriot David Silva.

The pair came up together through the Spanish national ranks and while defender Garrido played from Under 15 to Under 21 level with Silva, he has not kicked on to break into Spain's senior side in the manner of the City midfielder.

They have been texting each other over the past few weeks and Garrido said: "I have got a very good relationship with him. I texted him three or four weeks ago and he told me that for us it would be better to have the job done (avoid relegation) before we play at City.

"I have good memories of my time at City but the owner was putting in lots of money for new players and that put the level so high and when you are involved you are happier than when you are not. But in general I was happy. It was my first time away from Spain."

In fact, Garrido, 28, admits he was sad to leave City where he played between 2007 and 2010, making 49 league appearances in which he scored two goals alongside players such as Carlos Tevez, Gareth Barry and Richard Kompany, before the influx of star players saw him sold to Lazio.

Injuries limited his appearances and progress at the Italian club, which is how he came to join Norwich on a season-long loan in the summer.

He has proved a solid asset in the Norwich defence, playing 29 league games so far. His reward came when he signed a permanent two-year deal at Carrow Road earlier this week with the option of a third season.

Garrido added: "Ever since my first day here my main thing was to join permanently. They have shown confidence in me. I have played so many games and have been comfortable with everyone.

"After the last game against West Brom I was so happy because I knew I would be here permanently. It was a good moment for me."

Central defender Michael Turner is still struggling with the groin injury he suffered against Reading last month and misses out.