My dad knows more about football than Mourinho, claims Andrea Mancini

19 Nov 2012 19:30:00

The Italian backed his father - and Etihad Stadium boss - Roberto following criticism towards him and claimed that he is more experienced and knowledgeable than 'The Special One'

Real Valladolid midfielder Andrea Mancini, son of Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini, has stated that he thinks his father has a better understanding of football than Real Madrid tactician Jose Mourinho.

Andrea Mancini believes his senior's ability as a coach heralds from his professional career, while praising the mentality Mourinho forges in his teams.

"They're not alike. My father was a player for many years and it shows," Mancini told Marca. "He has a lot of experience and knows more about football than Mourinho.

"Mourinho is more of a psychologist, more of a motivator. He knows how keep the players' heads in the right place. The ideal manager would be a cross between the two."

The Italian trainer has recently been under fire for struggling to qualify for the knock-out stages of the Champions League with his side, but the 20-year-old believes his parent deserves more credit.

"I don't understand the criticism. He just won the Premier League with Manchester City, which the club hadn't won for 44 years," he continued. "I don't know what else he's got to do."

Andrea Mancini spent two years at the Etihad Stadium without making an appearance for the Citizens, before signing with Real Valladolid this summer.