sport

Mancini exasperated by rumours

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini swore in front of reporters and TV cameras on Friday when asked about his future.

With City's hopes of retaining their Premier League title fading, Mancini's position has come under considerable scrutiny.

Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini is the latest name to be linked with his post at the Etihad Stadium.

Mancini dismissed suggestions he could be sacked when he met media prior to last week's FA Cup win over Leeds and had to revisit the subject after the game.

When former Real Madrid boss Pellegrini was then mentioned in the opening question at his latest press conference, Mancini indicated he was clearly wearying of the discussion.

After a shrug, but then a smile, Mancini said: "f****** hell!"

After a brief pause and a laugh, he gave a more thorough response.

The Italian said: "I cannot continue to answer about this every week.

"We have another two months. In two months you will know if this can happen but I can't continue with this.

"This is normal for you, it's your job, don't worry, but I can't continue to answer each week about one (manager) or another or another.

"But also because I don't understand this - why would Manchester City change their manager? For what reasons?"

City trail Premier League leaders Manchester United by 12 points, a gap that could have increased before they face third-placed Chelsea on Sunday.

But after leading City to FA Cup success in 2011 and following up with last year's dramatic title victory - the club's first league win in 44 years - Mancini retains the support of the fans.

His name was chanted a number of times during the win over Leeds last Sunday, which took City through to the last eight of the cup.

Mancini said: "After the FA Cup (game), I said that in the last 18 months since Manchester United won the Premier League, there were seven trophies (to play for) and Manchester City won three of those seven trophies.

"For this reason, I don't understand (the speculation).

"I'm not the CEO or chairman, if you want to ask these questions ask them.

"I have four more years on my contract, I think I'm doing well, I am happy here."

Mancini said he was still unsure whether captain Vincent Kompany, who has missed the last four games with a calf injury, would be fit to return against Chelsea.

Midfielder Gareth Barry, who has been troubled by an ankle problem, will also be assessed.

Update:

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what do you think?

7 comments

philpdavid

1:22pm on 22/2/2013

Emerging Artist (Nap) 1.30 Lingfield Loyaute (N.Hunt EW Nap) 1.45 Sandown

Score: 5

philpdavid

1:23pm on 22/2/2013

Double, King Bertie (4/5) 2.00 Lingfield, and Yellow Moutain (4/5) 7.00 Wolverhampton

Score: 5

philpdavid

1:42pm on 22/2/2013

Got that wrong and half right, Backed Emerging Artist on the exchange and every time i took the 4.4 it went back to 4.4 got worried is it being Layed, Willy come's come to my window, tells him i fancied Emerging Artist but they way the exchange is acting its be Layed, mmmmm

Score: 5
1 reply

FOWLER 23

5:19pm on 22/2/2013

No one cares fella!

Score: 3

philpdavid

1:46pm on 22/2/2013

so back to the drawing board, Keki Buku (EW) 2,20. Be All Man (N.Hunt Nap) 4.00.Sandown. Titian Triumph (EW Nap) 2.30. Kent Ragstone 4.10. Lingfield Katiola (Irish Nap) 9.20 Dundalk

Score: 5

philpdavid

6:00pm on 22/2/2013

Mr Plod (EW) 6.00 Wolverhampton. Aheera (EW) 6.20 Dundalk

Score: 3

philpdavid

8:40pm on 22/2/2013

Indian Arch 8.40 Dundalk (EW) 13/2 Betvictor and Betfred.

Score: 3

andy hanson

7:17am on 23/2/2013

Can see some real bargains leaving Man City in the summer if they willing to take a big wage drop.