PREMIER LEAGUE:David Platt has insisted Robe rto Mancini is "fine" and not feeling any pressure after the Manchester City manager argued with the referee and a television cameraman following the 2-2 draw with Ajax that all but knocked his side out of the Champions League.
Mancini’s difficult week began with him admitting to discussing a potential move to Monaco last season and also being “close to seven, eight” other clubs, then becoming angry ahead of the Ajax match when asked to clarify those comments.
The Italian did not attend his Friday press conference ahead of tomorrow’s visit of Tottenham Hotspur, though Platt was clear there was nothing untoward in this. Regarding Mancini’s state of mind, the assistant coach said: “He’s fine. People make a great deal about it but he’s fine. It’s not the first time that he’s reacted in that way [after the Ajax game], not necessarily at Manchester City, but even as a player.
“He wears his heart on his sleeve. If he’s got something to say he’ll go and say it but he doesn’t bear grudges, he doesn’t start thinking about things.”
Platt, a former team-mate of Mancini’s at Sampdoria during the 1990s, said there is a difference between the Italian’s affable demeanour and his mood during games. “He’s always been like that. Monday to Friday he was fine but once he’s on the pitch, if things don’t go well for him, he has this fire in him. He doesn’t snap.”
Regarding the draw with Ajax that left City bottom of their group with two points and needing to win their remaining matches with Real Madrid and at Borussia Dortmund and hope other results go their way, Platt added: “We gave ourselves a mountain to climb through [conceding] two [early] goals. You get back to 2-2 with 20 minutes left. We have a goal disallowed [by Sergio Aguero, wrongly for offside] – there was a goal disallowed for West Ham [last Saturday, also wrongly], so no one’s making too much of that, people make mistakes. And then we have a free-kick in the last few seconds, and the camera angles show it is a clear penalty [on Mario Balotelli].
“Why wouldn’t the manager of a football club be frustrated? Why wouldn’t we all be frustrated? Robbie has gone on to the pitch and spoken to the referee. As he comes back, he turns around and has a camera in front of his face for 30 yards. He turns around and speaks in English and says, that basically it is enough now.” City are the only unbeaten side in the Premier League and Platt has the perfect way to refocus the squad for Tottenham. “We could just put the league table up if we want,” he said.
Mancini has a boost as David Silva is back in full training following a hamstring injury, though he may be only a substitute for the Tottenham game. Joleon Lescott is also available following a back issue while James Milner is still out with a hamstring strain.
Guardian Service
