Patrick Vieira says Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini deserves great credit for guiding them into the top four.
Vieira feels City's success this term fully vindicates the Italian, who he has backed to introduce a more expansive style of play in future amid continued criticism of a cautious approach.
Vieira told The Times: "I don't know what they asked from him upstairs, but we have the Champions League, an FA Cup final and clear improvement.
"I don't think the manager's future can even be an issue. All we can ask is to improve year on year and we are one step higher.
"You can see that. The results are proof."
The former Arsenal, Juventus and Inter Milan man added: "The manager was a flair player. And I believe in the next few years he'll want the team to play more like that.
"Be patient. Build like a house, they say. The foundations, the defence, the organisation. Then you can add more.
"There are young players and they need to grow together. We have changed so many players and you need time to build trust and understanding."
