Platt explains Mancini absence

Manchester City assistant David Platt said Roberto Mancini dodged the media after their draw with Stoke to avoid saying something he might regret.

City went top of the Premier League on goal difference with a 1-1 draw at the Britannia Stadium but have played one more game than title rivals Manchester United.

Mancini showed his frustration at Stoke’s physical approach during the game and Platt claimed the Italian did not speak to reporters for fear he would get himself into trouble.

“He is worried he might say something that might get him in hot water,” Platt told Sky Sports.

“He was just a bit hot afterwards and once he calms down, he will be fine.

“You know how these things go: if he comes in and something goes out of the way or gets lost in translation.”

It was rumoured Mancini refused to shake the hand of Stoke boss Tony Pulis after the match but, when asked about this, Platt said: “I don’t know.”

The draw in Staffordshire saw City drop points away from home for the second time in a row but Platt does not feel this run will decide the title.

“There is a long way to go and there will be more twists and turns along the way, for certain,” he said.

“We will follow our own road as we have been doing all season and win as many games as we possibly can between now and the last match.

“Our destiny is still well within our own hands, which is all you can ask for at this stage.

“The lads are positive and we move on to the next game, now.”