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Gagged Mancini says Tevez isn't his problem

Roberto Mancini was not allowed to offer much detail on the Carlos Tevez fallout during Friday's press conference © PA Photos

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Roberto Mancini was shackled from shedding new light on the Carlos Tevez saga on Friday, but he did tell reporters that the Argentinean forward is "not my problem".

Manchester City chief communications officer Victoria Kloss read out a statement ahead of the press conference, informing reporters that the meeting would be suspended if Mancini was asked about Tevez. City are currently investigating Tuesday's clash with Bayern Munich, during which Tevez is alleged to have refused to come on as a second-half substitute.

The club has since suspended Tevez for an initial two weeks, and it is reported he may be kept away from the squad until January, when the transfer window allows them to sell the forward. Reports have also emerged on Friday of a potential loan escape to West Ham for the next 15 weeks.

Mancini was not allowed to answer questions on such matters, but he did clarify his position by wiping his hands of the situation.

"It is finished," Mancini said. "I am the manager, our focus is regarding the Premier League, the Champions League and the FA Cup. Other things - it is not my problem."

In an effort to keep him discussing the issue, reporters then asked Mancini if Tevez had been the cause of the hardest week in his managerial career. The Italian answered to the contrary.

''No, no, absolutely no. Why is it difficult? Some situations can happen in football, in your job. It's important that the past is finished," the City boss replied.

''I don't have any complications. Only one complication that we had two days ago is that we lost against Bayern Munich, only this. We started very well we can do a fantastic season, I don't have this problem.

''It is normal that one player is not happy to leave the pitch in an important game or to stay on the bench, it's a normal situation for every manager.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.