Shay Given has hailed Roberto Mancini's impact at Manchester City,
crediting the new boss with improving the big-spending side's
defending.
Mancini replaced Mark Hughes as manager at Eastlands in
December and he has a 100 per cent record in his three games so
far.
The Blues dumped Middlesbrough out of the FA Cup at the
weekend 1-0, which made it three clean sheets in three games after
successive league victories against Stoke and Wolves.
Given hailed the Italian tactician's record as a coach, and
admitted he has been impressed with him so far.
"The new manager has worked hard on defending," he said in
The Sun. "But not just the back four and myself - also the guys who
play well in front of us as well.
"He's also looked at what we do as a team, as a unit, when we
lose the ball.
"He has different ideas about shadow play and where he wants
players to be when you don't have the ball.
"He is very adamant about the way he wants his team to be set
up. I've been impressed with him.
"I like the way he knows what he wants from his teams.
"You cannot argue with the guy's record. He did great with
Inter and he was a great player so you have to respect him for
that."
Given, 33, was signed by former City manager Hughes 12 months
ago after a 12-year spell at Newcastle, and he was reportedly
deeply unhappy at the manner of the Welshman's dismissal.
However, the Republic of Ireland international refused to be
drawn on his opinions regarding his former boss, and insists he is
not preoccupied by his departure.
"Mark Hughes left and I'll always be grateful for bringing me
to this club," he added. "But the owners made their decision and we
have to get on with it."
