City boss tips Mangala for Euros

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini believes Eliaquim Mangala could prove to be a hit for France this summer at Euro 2016.

The defender struggled during his first season at the Etihad following his big-money move from Porto in the summer of 2014, but slowly appears to be finding his feet in England.

Arguably Mangala’s best performance for the club came in their Champions League quarter-final, second-leg win over Paris Saint-Germain and he will be hoping to get the nod against Real Madrid in the last four on Tuesday night.

City are currently 2.88 to win the opening game of the tie, with the draw 3.40 and Los Blancos priced at 2.40.

A strong performance for the 25-year-old would only boost his chances of representing France on home soil at Euro 2016.

Mamadou Sakho’s failed drugs test means the Liverpool man could miss the tournament and Mangala may benefit, having missed out on recent squads.

Les Bleus are currently the 4.00 favourites to win the competition, ahead of Germany and Spain at 4.50 and 6.50 respectively, and Pellegrini believes having the defender around will certainly not hinder Didier Deschamps’ side’s chances.

“I am not the manager of the French team, but I think Mangala is having a very good season,” the Chilean said.

“Always, when Mangala plays in our team we normally win. He is doing very well. In the last four games we have kept three clean sheets, just conceding one goal against Newcastle.

“I am very happy for Eliaquim because he is a very good professional and I’m sure he will be in the squad list. I am sure, if he plays, he will have a very good performance.”