• Premier League

City boss Mancini not fazed by criticism

ESPN staff
October 26, 2012
Roberto Mancini struggled to watch as his side lost to Ajax © PA Photos
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Roberto Mancini's problems have been splashed across the back pages of the national newspapers. See if his Manchester City can overcome Swansea this weekend exclusively live on ESPN

Roberto Mancini has shrugged off recent criticism, with the Manchester City boss claiming adverse coverage does not concern him.

City have made an unbeaten stat to the defence of their Premier League title but they are off the pace in the Champions League and defeat to Ajax in midweek leaves them with a mountain to climb to reach the knockout stages.

Focus has been on City's defending and this was emphasised when Micah Richards spoke out about the decision to switch from 4-4-2 to 3-5-2, claiming the players had not done enough work on that formation.

Mancini has responded by warning Richards that he may find himself warming the bench in future and has also shrugged off the criticism.

"I am not frustrated about what people say," he said. "It is not a problem for me. I am not interested.

"I have my own opinion about everything. Sometimes I make mistakes, like the players, like the owner, like everyone.

"But I work hard every day and when you work seriously you don't have any problem about your job.

"You think we can go down after one defeat? I don't think so. We are strong enough for this."

Mancini had words of warning for Richards who spoke out following the loss to Ajax.

"Maybe next time we play this system Micah can stay on the bench and we will use another player until Micah knows the system well," Mancini said. "If you are a top player it's not important what system you use.

"If you don't understand you're not a top player and you can't play for a top team."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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