Mancini arrives in Istanbul for negotiations after Galatasaray’s job offer

ISTANBUL

Roberto Mancini poses with Galatasaray executive Lütfi Arıboğan. The Italian made his coaching debut after replacing Fatih Terim at Fiorentina. Will history repeat itself and Mancini make a new move in his career by once again succeeding to Terim? AA photo

Italian Manager Roberto Mancini, currently between jobs since having quit Manchester City at the end of last season, has arrived in Istanbul today after receiving a job offer from Galatasaray to meet with the club’s executives, daily Hürriyet reported.
 
The two-time defending champions are currently looking for a prestigious name to replace Fatih Terim, with whom they parted ways with this week, shocking football aficionados and then some.
 
History may repeat itself as Mancini already replaced Terim at the helm of Fiorentina during the 2000-2001 Season, when the Italian club sacked the latter due to frequent rows with the chairman Cechi Gori, despite his immense popularity among Viola fans.
 
The Italian won cups in all four clubs he managed, totaling 12 since his career debut with Fiorentina, on Terim’s expense.
 
According daily Hürriyet, first talks in Italy were at a dead end as the Italian demanded an annual wage of 7 million euros - double that of Terim’s salary - plus a fee of 2 million euros for his assistants. However, Mancini accepted to continue negotiations in Istanbul, despite the gap between his demands and Galatasaray’s offer.
 
Another Italian manager, Roberto Di Matteo, has been mentioned as the second option. Di Matteo, who is also out of work after leading Chelsea to a Champions League trophy during his apprentice period in 2012, has reportedly asked for a fee nearing 3.5 million pounds.
 
Dick Advocaat’s name also came to the fore as the veteran coach is reportedly the less costly option between the candidates at the helm in Türk Telekom Arena.