Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has insisted that he "built" Manuel Pellegrini's current side.

The Italian coach was sacked by the Premier League outfit last season after failing to help them retain the league title they won in 2012.

"I'm happy that Manchester City is one of the best teams in England because I built this team," BBC Sport quotes him as saying. "The players that score the goals are players that I bought - Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko, Yaya Toure, David Silva and Samir Nasri."

He added: "When you work, you know you can have some problem with the players, this is normal because the manager wants the players to work hard, play well and the players should understand this.

"When you change the manager, it is better maybe, because you change the way to work. I think Pellegrini is doing a good job but what is happening now at Manchester City, we did three years ago. It's the same."

City are currently a point behind leaders Arsenal in second place in the league table and have a chance of winning the Champions League, the FA Cup and the League Cup as well.