David Platt says Roberto Mancini has laughed off comments from Sir Alex Ferguson and insists the Man City boss is not feeling the pressure.
Platt insists Manchester City manager is not feeling the pressure
David Platt says Roberto Mancini has laughed off comments from Sir Alex Ferguson and has dismissed concerns the Manchester City manager is feeling the pressure.
City returned to the top of the Premier League table on goal difference on Saturday after a 1-1 draw at Stoke City, but Mancini did not speak to the media after the game.
The build-up to the match had featured Ferguson responding to claims from former City midfielder Patrick Vieira that United had shown 'weakness' in bringing Paul Scholes out of retirement.
Ferguson suggested that City, meanwhile, had been 'desperate' in calling on Carlos Tevez again after Mancini had previously hinted that the Argentine would not play for the club again.
However, Platt has brushed off the impact of any potential mind games and has no worries about Mancini being able to handle the pressure in the race for the title.
Tongue in cheek
"I read it and when you look at the quotes, Sir Alex hasn't necessarily said that," said first-team coach Platt.
"It seems it was a bit tongue in cheek and there was a bit of fun there - I don't know.
"But Robbie just laughed, he just laughed. It's not a problem to him. It's not about him and it's not about Sir Alex. It's about the two teams alone and apart."
Platt added: "He's done it before and he wants to win. As regards the pressure on him, it's not about whether he handles the pressure so much as whether the players go out and get the results.
"He's fine. He's beyond fine - seriously!"
