Caretaker Manchester City manager Brian Kidd says Roberto Mancini’s sacking has rocked the club.
City overcame their FA Cup final defeat to Wigan Athletic by beating relegated Reading 2-0 at Madejski Stadium on Tuesday night to guarantee they finished second in the Premier League.
Goals from Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko were enough for the hosts, who began life without Mancini with a win.
But Kidd, City’s assistant manager, says the Italian’s departure has been tough to take.
“It has all come as a shock to the staff,” he said.
“I have just come in and been asked to take the team for these two games.
“I am a Manchester lad and how can I say no? We are not greedy, but we don’t have to qualify for the Champions League now and that is the least we should have done this season.
“All credit to the players. They have had to put up with a lot of stuff (since Wembley) and it would have been a travesty if we had not finished second.
“We appreciate the fans, they would have been so disappointed on Saturday but we have come back for them.”
City fans sang Mancini’s name after their hero had been sacked a year to the day since bringing the title to the Etihad Stadium.
And Kidd thanked the supporters for backing the players.
“I am really grateful to the fans for their support,” he added.
“The backroom staff have been terrific, there has been a lot of support which has been really great for me and you could go through the whole team. Let’s be honest, we have a terrific squad.”