Manchester City Defender Stefan Savic Holding No Grudges As Kolo Toure denies Criticising The Centre-Back

Manchester City defender Stefan Savic claims he has no problem with team-mate Kolo Toure after critical comments made by the Ivorian about him were published in a magazine interview.

The former Arsenal defender has been quoted by French magazine So Foot as saying: “When you look at the performance of Savic against QPR – excuse me, I'm relaxed.”

However, the 20-year-old revealed the Ivorian told him nothing of the sort was said – despite the magazine claiming they have it recorded – instead insisting that he believes his fellow City centre-back.

“He said to me that he didn’t say anything,” the Montenegro international defender told The Guardian.

“Straight away after that came out in the newspaper he spoke with me and said he didn’t tell them anything and I can only believe him.

“I don’t think he should say something like that.”

Savic joined the Etihad Stadium from Partizan Belgrade over the summer for an estimated £6 million, and the young defender has been a regular face on the City bench this season.

The 20-year-old was selected ahead of the more experienced Toure in Wednesday’s Champions League victory over Bayern Munich, putting in a solid display at right-back.

He added of the 2-0 win: “I'm happy because the manager picked me and I think I will play a lot of games for this club in the future.”

Toure's criticism stemmed from Savic's performance in the 3-2 victory over QPR, and the Montenegrin has conceded it has taken him time to adjust to the Premier League.

Savic said: “That [QPR] was my first game in the Premier League from the start but I am getting used to this.

“I came from the Serbian league and I needed a little time but now I think everything is better and the time is in front of me.

“I have a lot of experience playing international football. I also played in the Champions League last year with Partizan Belgrade and when I am training with these good players I can only improve.”