Mancini has the backing of Manchester City owners, claims Platt

18-Mar-2013 3:40:00 PM

The first-team coach at the Etihad Stadium believes there is "an appreciation" of the Italian manager within the club despite their fading Premier League title challenge

Manchester City first-team coach David Platt has claimed that Roberto Mancini has the backing of the club's owners and supporters despite their faltering title challenge.

The defending Premier League champions fell 15 points behind leaders Manchester United over the weekend after suffering a 2-0 defeat against Everton.

Sir Alex Ferguson's team are now the clear favourites to claim the championship but Platt believes Mancini is a born winner and capable of further success in the future at the Etihad Stadium.

"There is an appreciation of Roberto from the supporters and the owners," Platt told reporters.

"The expectancy levels of Roberto Mancini are a lot higher than what people think. If people want to talk about rumours and negatives that is up to them. We can't stop that.

"If people want to do things like that, they can. All I know is that during his career he has won things. That is what his focus, desire and intensity is about.

"He won't want stop wanting to win things. He will regroup from this and by the time we play Newcastle he will have 100 per cent focus."

Mancini has won two major trophies - the league title and the FA Cup - since succeeding Mark Hughes at City in 2009.

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