Inter Coach Roberto Mancini admits “I miss English football”, and is backing Leicester City to win the Premier League.
The Nerazzurri boss guided Manchester City to the Premier League title in 2012, and had a brief spell with the Foxes at the end of his playing career.
“Manchester City are my big English team,” Mancini told the Leicester Mercury.
“But Leicester are my second. I like English football, you know that. Manchester City probably won't win the league this season – so I hope Leicester do.
Inter Coach Roberto Mancini admits “I miss English football”, and is backing Leicester City to win the Premier League.
The Nerazzurri boss guided Manchester City to the Premier League title in 2012, and had a brief spell with the Foxes at the end of his playing career.
“Manchester City are my big English team,” Mancini told the Leicester Mercury.
“But Leicester are my second. I like English football, you know that. Manchester City probably won't win the league this season – so I hope Leicester do.
“I like [manager] Claudio [Ranieri]. He is a good man and a good manager. He deserves it. And because I played for Leicester I am cheering for you. I have that connection. I don't forget that.
“I like the way Leicester play. The counter attack. The space,. The speed. You break so quickly, like bam-bam-bam, but the team are more than just that.
“Leicester have a hard-working midfield, a busy midfield. They are hard to beat. The defence is solid.
“You have to be mentally strong for the run-in. No mistakes. The defence has to be solid. Stay strong. Injury free. Mentally on top of it – but Claudio will see to that. He will guide them. He can do that.
“But it is important for the players to enjoy this moment. It is close – but with each game, if they can keep three, five points ahead – that puts pressure on their rivals.
“I am watching over here. Come on Leicester! I miss English football. The Premier is the best league, but I am over here now…”
Mancio also reflected on his spell with Leicester, making four appearances in 2001.
“I have fond memories of my time there. I only played four, five games [it was four] and it was at the end of my career, but we did ok, I think. The English game is fast. It is passionate
“I remember playing. I remember it was fast, competitive. I still remember the atmosphere in the stadium at Filbert Street."I remember the midfield – Robbie Savage, Muzzy Izzet, he was a good player – the work rate of these players. It was phenomenal.
"I remember, too, the people in the city, shaking my hand and wishing me good luck. They were good to me.
"We were 5th, I think. Maybe 6th. I am sure that is right.”