New role pleases Clichy

Gael Clichy: Enjoyed playing in Mancini's three-man defence

Manchester City defender Gael Clichy enjoyed playing a part in Roberto Mancini's three-man defence in the Community Shield but does not expect the boss to stick with the formation.

Clichy, who normally operates as a left-back, came on at half-time during City's 3-2 triumph over Chelsea on Sunday, replacing Stefan Savic to join captain Vincent Kompany and Pablo Zabaleta at the back.

The France international relished the fresh challenge but believes manager Mancini will revert to his usual 4-4-2 formation for the new Premier League season.

He told L'Equipe: "If I have to play in that position in the future, I believe I could go on playing until I'm 50 years old, because I didn't feel tired at all at the end of the match!

"It was a 3-5-2 system and last season we played 4-4-2. So I think we will often play 4-4-2 again this term.

"I can't wait for someone to let me play. I will have to go and get my position as left full-back."