Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott believes that he and his teammates must respect the club's decision to part company with Roberto Mancini.

Mancini was sacked earlier this month after failing to win a trophy this season, and while Lescott has admitted that it has been a difficult time for the players, he has insisted that they must try to move on from the Italian's departure.

The 30-year-old told reporters: "It's been difficult for everyone but it is important as a player you understand that no matter what happens you need to keep striving to improve every game. We'll continue to do that.

"The decision has been made by the club and we have to respect that as players.

"We play for Man City. They have seen fit to part ways with Roberto and we have just got to get ourselves right for the new manager."

Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini has been heavily linked with the vacant position.