In fairness to the media’s portrayal of Roberto Mancini as the “conspicuous problem” with Manchester City’s Champions League issues, Jamie Jackson attempts to make a five point case as to why the club are on the verge of an early exit.

Jackson essentially points to a difficult (though not murderous) group draw, David Silva’s absence, the failure of City to acquire some key targets in the summer transfer window (insert City are rich joke here), poor defense, some bad luck, and finally, a lack of plan B options to change the approach mid-game, which includes Mancini’s fixation on three at the back and converted wing-backs.

You might take issue with the individual importance of any of these, but it’s clearly disingenuous to say “It’s all Mancini’s fault.” Incidentally, Jackson also points out that City is performing better than all three former league winners in their respective domestic title races.

If you want to read more on this counter-narrative, I recommend reading Simon Gleave’s take which focuses on the group draw, which he says is “among the toughest in history” for the Champions League.