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Glen Johnson's tackle on Joleon Lescott was worse than Vincent Kompany's against Manchester United, complains City manager Roberto Mancini
The Italian boss clashed with Reds captain Steven Gerrard over the incident and dismissed the England midfielder's criticism of him after the League Cup semi-final first leg
12 Jan 2012 09:22:00
By Oliver Platt
Getty Images
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has insisted Glen Johnson's tackle on Joleon Lescott in the late stages of his side's League Cup semi-final first leg defeat to Liverpool was worse than the challenge that earned Vincent Kompany a red card against Manchester United on Sunday.
Mancini clashed with Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard after the final whistle over the incident, and remained adamant that Johnson deserved more punishment, with not even a free kick awarded by referee Lee Mason.
"It was worse," Mancini claimed following the match. "This tackle was worse. Gerrard came to me and said I said something.
"It was not for Johnson. It is for the tackle. This tackle was worse than Vinny's. Everyone can see it."
The 47-year-old Italian went on to dismiss Gerrard's accusations of hypocrisy, with the England midfielder noting Mancini had been critical of what he perceived to be an attempt by Wayne Rooney to get Kompany sent off in the FA Cup tie at the Etihad Stadium.
"Steven Gerrard can say what he wants," Mancini said. "I said what I think. That is what I am used to doing.
"It is not important what Steven Gerrard or the other players have said."
Mancini admitted January could be a pivotal month for his side, with two straight losses recorded in the absence of the likes of Yaya Toure, Vincent Kompany and David Silva for one or both of the fixtures.
"We have just played two difficult games," he said.
"I knew this before, when I said that January will be an important month for us because we lose three or four important players."
The former Inter manager was unconcerned by the performance of young defender Stefan Savic, who conceded the decisive penalty in only his seventh start for the club.
"Savic needs to get experience," Mancini said.
"It is normal. He is young. Against a striker like [Andy] Carroll maybe he could have some difficulties. But in the second half it went better."
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Mancini clashed with Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard after the final whistle over the incident, and remained adamant that Johnson deserved more punishment, with not even a free kick awarded by referee Lee Mason.
"It was worse," Mancini claimed following the match. "This tackle was worse. Gerrard came to me and said I said something.
"It was not for Johnson. It is for the tackle. This tackle was worse than Vinny's. Everyone can see it."
The 47-year-old Italian went on to dismiss Gerrard's accusations of hypocrisy, with the England midfielder noting Mancini had been critical of what he perceived to be an attempt by Wayne Rooney to get Kompany sent off in the FA Cup tie at the Etihad Stadium.
"Steven Gerrard can say what he wants," Mancini said. "I said what I think. That is what I am used to doing.
"It is not important what Steven Gerrard or the other players have said."
Mancini admitted January could be a pivotal month for his side, with two straight losses recorded in the absence of the likes of Yaya Toure, Vincent Kompany and David Silva for one or both of the fixtures.
"We have just played two difficult games," he said.
"I knew this before, when I said that January will be an important month for us because we lose three or four important players."
The former Inter manager was unconcerned by the performance of young defender Stefan Savic, who conceded the decisive penalty in only his seventh start for the club.
"Savic needs to get experience," Mancini said.
"It is normal. He is young. Against a striker like [Andy] Carroll maybe he could have some difficulties. But in the second half it went better."
How do you stay up to date with football when on the move? With http://m.goal.com – your best source for mobile coverage of the beautiful game.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
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