Opening old wounds: Mancini's English is now good
enough for him to joke about the time Ferguson kicked a boot that
hit David Beckham on the head after an FA Cup defeat against
Arsenal
Nine months into his time at Manchester City and Roberto
Mancini's improving English has begun to translate into a sense of
humour.
Asked again after his team's Europa League win on Thursday about
suggestions that he is too tough with his players, it was suggested
he should try to become a 'father figure' to his squad in the
manner of Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The City manager smiled and pointed to his eyebrow.
'I don't know, but remember when David Beckham had his
problem...' he said. 'Every manager has his own behaviour but I
think that I have a good relationship with my players.'
In referring to the famous incident when Ferguson kicked a
dressing-room boot which struck the head of Beckham after an FA Cup
defeat by Arsenal in 2003, Mancini demonstrated a firm grasp of
English football history - and a growing self-confidence.
The former Inter boss's English has certainly improved at a far
greater rate than that of England coach Fabio Capello, and he used
it once again ahead of tomorrow's trip to Sunderland to stress that
he does not fear the wrath of unhappy players.
Former City midfielder Stephen Ireland marked his arrival at
Aston Villa, in part-exchange for James Milner, by criticising
Mancini's man-management last weekend.
But the Italian responded: 'It's normal when one player doesn't
play that he isn't happy. Normally in a team the players who play
are happy, the players who don't aren't. I have a good relationship
with all players.
Cut above: David Beckham
'If one player deserves to play because they play well, he will
play. If they don't deserve to play it's difficult.
'But this is the same for me and the other managers. I played
football for 20 years. I know all the problems that one can have
and if a player has a problem he can speak to me every day.
'I have a good relationship because I don't have any problem
with the players. The problem is when one player doesn't play. I
have a good relationship with 11 players, with the others it can be
harder.
'If a player has a problem he can come into my office and speak
with me. I can help him every time, but I don't go with the players
and say, ''Let me be your friend''.'
Mancini made a point of wishing Ireland well as he begins his
career at Villa and also said he was pleased that Craig Bellamy had
scored on his debut at Cardiff, where the Welshman has recently
gone on loan.