Eastlands boss is not very subtle.
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Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini believes the time has come for Stephen Ireland to leave Eastlands.
The former Republic of Ireland international has spent his entire career with City and is on a long-term contract with the club.
Ireland has been tipped to join Aston Villa as part of the deal that sees James Milner join City, although a pay-off is curtailing the deal.
Italian tactician Mancini knows Ireland is a good player, but feels the time has now come for the 23-year-old to grow elsewhere.
“Stephen Ireland is a good player but he has been here all his life and he needs to change,” said Mancini.
“Sometimes it can happen that a player stays with the same squad for 15 years and plays well but a moment arrives when he needs to change.
“Now is time for him. I really think he can improve.” (Sky Sports)
Roughly translated this appears to mean “Please leave as I really want to get James Milner!”. Whilst Roberto Mancini isn’t being overly subtle he is actually completely correct. The Irish international playmaker does not have a future at Man City so would be best off moving as soon as possible so as not to end up rotting on the Eastlands bench. In fact it could be even worse than that, as he is unlikely to make the club’s 25 man Premier League squad so wouldn’t even be allowed to be a bench warmer!