Roberto Mancini has revealed he is looking forward to the challenge of managing Galatasaray after the club confirmed his arrival.
The 48-year-old has signed a three-year deal worth a reported €5 million-a-season, and will take charge of the first-team squad ahead of their Champions League tie away to Juventus.
The Italian coach succeeds Fatih Terim at the helm, with the long-serving coach, who also takes charge of the Turkey national team, having his third spell at the club terminated after rejecting a new two-year deal.
Mancini has been out of work since receiving the sack after Manchester City’s shock FA Cup final defeat to Wigan back in May, and expressed his delight at joining the Turkish giants.
“I am happy with the choice I made, as the atmosphere is different here in Istanbul. It’s a wonderful and intriguing challenge for me at a big club. I am convinced this was the right choice,” he told the Corriere dello Sport.
Galatasaray are currently bottom of Group B after the 6-1 thumping handed to them by Real Madrid at the Turk Telecom Arena, and will face a tough task to avoid defeat away to Serie A champions Juventus.
Mancini also spoke of his satisfaction with facing a team from his native country on his debut in the dugout, but suggested it may be difficult to expect dramatic changes, having just one day with the squad before the game in Turin.
He added: “It is a happy coincidence to meet the Bianconeri first and it is a great challenge to prepare for this game in just one day.”
