Robbie Savage "surprised" by Roberto Mancini's success

Robbie Savage has admitted that he has been "surprised" by how well Roberto Mancini has adapted to management.

The Manchester City boss played alongside Welshman Savage at Leicester City, where he played five games for the Foxes.

"He was at the latter stages of his career then," Savage told BBC Sport. "He was magnificent, still our best player. He was quiet and laid-back, but he couldn't speak much English.

"I am surprised at how well he's done. He takes no nonsense. He's a very hard manager."

Mancini replaced Mark Hughes as City boss in December 2009.