Mancini refutes Reds approach

Italian says Blues must improve at the back

By Danny Wright   Last updated: 24th December 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Mancini refutes Reds approach

Mancini: Denies Liverpool claim

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Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has denied speculation that he was contacted by Liverpool to potentially succeed Rafa Benitez.

City chief executive Garry Cook claimed that the Merseyside club would have spoken to Mancini if they had parted company with under-fire Benitez.

But Mancini - appointed in controversial circumstances following the sacking of Mark Hughes on Saturday - has rubbished suggestions that he had spoken to Reds' owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

When asked by Sky Sports News whether he had spoken to Liverpool, Mancini said: "No, never. Liverpool have a good manager. Rafa (Benitez) is a good manager. Absolutely not."

The Italian's first game in charge as Blues boss comes on Boxing Day against Stoke, who will go into the clash looking to capitalise on the European hopefuls' defensive frailties.

Tony Pulis' side pose headaches for any team with their physical approach, and City look vulnerable after conceding three times in their 4-3 win over Sunderland.

They are also missing central defenders Joleon Lescott and Nedum Onuoha, meaning Mancini will be forced to field a weakened backline.

And the new manager warned his players that they must improve at the back if they are to pick up three points against the Potters.

He said: "We must work hard on this problem because a big team can't (not) score ever. We must not concede to these opponents.

"It is the most important balance for the team and it's the most important situation. For this we must work every day."

Mancini's arrival at Eastlands has been overshadowed by reports that Cook went behind Hughes' back in order to appoint the 45-year-old, leading to suggestions that senior players in the squad were unhappy with the departure of their former manager.

But the former Inter Milan coach said he was optimistic his style of play would rub off on the players, and that relations between the two since his arrival had been good.

"I hope that the players settle in and play well and understand my thinking," he added. "I think that three or four weeks is possible. For me in these four days we have worked well."