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Mancini barks back, denies Tevez’s claims

Comment: 0 February 16th, 2012 by: admin

IT looks like the rift between Carlos Tevez and Roberto Mancini is not yet over.

On Wednesday night, the City boss fired back at the rebel striker by saying he did not treat him “like a dog” as what the latter claimed prior to his departure for Manchester.

After issuing the denial, Mancini vowed not to talk about the Argentine for the rest of the season.

Mancini, according to sources, was “hurt” by the allegations which Tevez made during an interview with an Italian media on the eve of his return to England on Tuesday after staying for three months in Argentina.

The City manager took the opportunity to express his view about Tevez’s claims when the team arrived in Porto for their round-of-32 clash in the Europa League with Porto at the Estadio do Dragao.

Both Mancini and Tevez had a falling out since they had a misunderstanding in Munich last September.

Mancini said he hopes their dispute won’t affect their game against the reigning Europa League and Portuguese champions.

“The game is more important than this and it is an important game against a top club in Porto,” he said.

In rebuffing Tevez, he said: “I totally disagree with Carlos and what he says because I have never treated him badly. Maybe it’s the opposite. I have treated him too well, always.”

He also told reporters: “I don’t want to talk anymore. This is the last question I answer on this for the next three months.”

Mancini added he is prepared to take Tevez back to the first team if he issues an apology and prove his fitness.

A source close to Mancini said the Italian coach is a very forgiving person and he was willing to open the door again for their former captain if the latter says he’s sorry.

As the team departed for Portugal, Tevez trained on his own at Carrington.

Midfielder James Milner said he believes the striker’s return won’t affect the team’s character. “Nothing changes. Our focus is on the next game.”

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