Roberto Mancini hits out at Man City’s Samir Nasri

Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri Photo: Football.ua, via Wikimedia

Roberto Mancini has launched a scathing attack on Samir Nasri, claiming that the Manchester City playmaker “doesn’t understand” what is needed to be a top player.

Mancini signed Nasri from Arsenal back in 2011 when he was manager at Etihad Stadium but was not happy with the 26-year-old’s work-rate at the club.

He didn’t understand that you always have to give your best

Samir Nasri

“Samir is a player who has incredible qualities but a productivity that bears no comparison with his talent,” Mancini told French magazine So Foot Junior.

“He didn’t understand that you always have to give your best.

“He’s a player who has the ability not to be a good player but to be a world-class player. What a pity that he won’t even play in the World Cup.”

Despite Mancini’s comments, Nasri has been an important part of Manuel Pellegrini’s side this season, scoring six goals and making five assists in 29 Premier League appearances.