One of the worst kept secrets in English football was finally made public knowledge yesterday evening when Roberto Mancini was relieved of his duties as manager of Manchester City.
Reports started to emerge on Friday that the board had decided to part company with the Italian, despite the fact that he guided them to the Premier League title just 12 months ago.
As always in these cases, speculation has suggested that it will not be long until a replacement is appointed. With that in mind, Sports Mole has assessed the five men who are believed to be leading the race for the Etihad Stadium hotseat.
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If you believe everything that you read, the Chilean has all but agreed to take charge of City. The bookmakers have reacted by making the Malaga coach the clear favourite, with some saying that the news could break any time now. However, reports today have claimed that Barcelona are keen on Pellegrini's services, despite the fact that he once coached rivals Real Madrid. If the Spanish champions firm up their interest soon, it may alter his next destination.
Odds: 1/8
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Like Pellegrini, reporters and the bookies believe that they know Mourinho's next club. For a few weeks now, the Real Madrid boss has been strongly linked with a return to his former club Chelsea. A move to City would provide the 'Special One' with a completely fresh challenge, though, and would also mean that he does not have to work alongside Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich again - the breakdown of the pair's relationship is believed to have been the major reason behind his Stamford Bridge departure in 2007. He has proven himself in England as well, unlike the favourite.
Odds: 5/1
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The Spaniard will end his less than popular spell at Chelsea this weekend. Regardless of the ill-feeling towards him from the Chelsea faithful, the former Liverpool boss has met all the targets that were handed to him. He could even add the Europa League to his trophy cabinet tomorrow evening. Whether the City board would consider approaching 53-year-old remains to be seen, but he would provide experience of managing at the top end of the Premier League.
Odds: 12/1
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Should the Italian make the switch, it would be a surprise after the owner of Paris Saint-Germain yesterday blocked his chance to take charge of Real Madrid. However, having been sacked by Chelsea in 2011 - just a year after leading the team to a Premier League and FA Cup double - the 53-year-old is believed to feel that he has unfinished business in England. Should City make an approach, that may prompt Ancelotti to request talks.
Odds: 20/1
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Some people would ask why would Klopp leave his position with Borussia Dortmund? In the last three years he has guided the club to the Bundesliga title twice, one German Cup and they will also contest the Champions League final against Bayern Munich at Wembley later this month. What must frustrate Klopp, though, is the fact that he has started to lose his best players. Shinji Kagawa left for Manchester United last summer and Mario Gotze will join Munich in July. There is also plenty of speculation surrounding the future of leading goalscorer Robert Lewandowski. With City's finances, the 45-year-old would have no such problems.
Odds: 25/1
Liam Apicella
