O´Neill reacts to Mancini comments

Martin O’Neill is surprised that Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini described Sunderland as ‘not difficult’ opponents.

Mancini had implied that Manchester United would win the Premier League regardless of the derby on Monday as their last two matches, against Swansea City and Sunderland, were easier than City’s.

Swansea coach Brendan Rodgers has already played down the comments, but O’Neill told the Daily Telegraph: “It took me by surprise because I had to check that the teams they (United) have to play after Manchester City, like Swansea and ourselves.”

Swansea overcame Mancini’s men in March, while Sunderland beat them 1-0 on New Year’s Day before coming from 3-1 down to draw three apiece at the Etihad Stadium on March 31.

“We have taken four points off Manchester City, but they have actually lost five against us this season. He had obviously forgotten to check the fixtures list properly,” O’Neill argued.

“I will remember it for the next four years. I don’t have an email address for him, but I really thought about sending him one to tell him to keep an eye on what he says in the future.

“I don’t know what his insinuation was, but if he had any idea about the league at all he would know that the integrity of the league is pretty good.”