Mancini brushes off Mourinho taunts

Roberto Mancini has brushed off apparent criticism from Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho.

Last Updated: 24/11/12 at 07:33 Post Comment   

Roberto Mancini: No interest in Mourinhi comments

Roberto Mancini: No interest in Mourinhi comments

Roberto Mancini has brushed off apparent criticism from Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho following Manchester City's Champions League exit.

Mourinho claimed he would not have been able to return to the Spanish capital had Real suffered the same European fate as Mancini's Barclays Premier League champions.

Real ended City's hopes of reaching the knockout phase of the elite competition after drawing 1-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.

The pair have a perceived rivalry dating back to when Mourinho succeeded Mancini as Inter Milan boss in 2008.

Mancini said: "Mourinho is not my chairman, he is not my owner. What Mourinho said is not interesting.

"Mourinho wants to talk about everything and for me it is not important."

Mourinho had spiced up the contest the night before by saying City would be eliminated regardless of the result and, given all their talent, that would hurt them greatly.

That was also interpreted in some quarters as an attack on Mancini as it could have suggested the manager was not making the most of the players at his disposal.

Mancini has tried to avoid a war of words but did suggest that such criticism from rival managers could be fuelled by jealousy over the huge financial backing the Italian has enjoyed at the Etihad Stadium.

"I don't know - sometimes it could be," Mancini said.

"I am here but I will not stay here for 20 years. Other managers will have time to come to Manchester City but in this moment I am here and we are working well. I don't know why sometimes they talk about us."

Mancini has faced speculation over his future this season due to City's European struggles but his position appears to remain secure.

That has much to do with his success over the past two years and the now strong-looking start to their Barclays Premier League title defence.

Despite lacking some of the flair of last season, City have ground out results and remain unbeaten ahead of Sunday's trip to title rivals Chelsea.

That contrasts with the situation at Stamford Bridge, where Roberto di Matteo was this week sacked and replaced by Rafael Benitez.

Mancini said: "I don't know their situation. I can say I am happy to work with my owners and my chairman.

"They are good men, they understand the situation. They know it is impossible to win every game and sometimes we lose. They are disappointed like me and the players."

Di Matteo's exit came after a defeat at Juventus which left Chelsea in serious danger of failing to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Mancini said: "Usually when one team changes a manager the game after for the opponents is very difficult. For us, I think it is more difficult.

"Chelsea is a good team with Di Matteo and will be a good team for Benitez. They have good players."


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