Mancini shrugs off critics

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini insists he pays no attention to speculation over his future.

City got their title challenge back on track after producing a superb performance to dismantle Fulham 4-1 at Craven Cottage as they moved to within three points of Chelsea and Manchester United.

That saw a bad week end on a positive note as last week’s draw with Birmingham was followed by reports of rifts within the squad, with Kolo Toure claiming that his team-mates have not worked hard enough to deserve their hefty wage packets so far this season.

And Mancini was adamant that he has never doubted himself or his ability as the visiting fans chanted his name in a show of solidarity with the Italian.

“When you win you are at the top, and when you lose you are a stupid manager,” said Mancini, whose side were inspired by a fine display from Carlos Tevez, who scored twice.

“When you lose people don’t understand why you play this way, or don’t pick that player.”

“Last week I was the worst manager as we were six points behind (Chelsea at the top of the table). Now I am the best as we are only three points behind. It isn’t important, and it is impossible to say if you are good or stupid after 14 games.”

“But I always thought I was the best manager as wherever I have been, I have always won. But for this game I must say thank you to my players as they played very well. We played fantastic football.”

Mancini claimed not to have read the interview with Toure, limiting himself to saying that he respected everyone’s opinion, but one viewpoint he will have wanted to hear was from his predecessor at Eastlands, Mark Hughes.

The Fulham boss was looking for revenge after being sacked and replaced by Mancini 11 months ago, but his side were completely outplayed by a team he thinks can go on and win the title.

“It’s wide open,” said Hughes when asked about the title race. “No-one is running away with it, and there is no reason (why City can’t challenge).”

“I don’t like getting beaten by anybody in that manner, irrespective of whether it was City or not.”

“This was our worst performance of the season, and it came against a very good side. We know we are better than that.”