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Extra Time: Masked Mancini laughs off pressure
Nov 16, 2012 1:20:00 PM
The 47-year-old had ducked his media responsibilities after losing his cool at the end of his side's Champions League draw with Ajax, however saved some face with a joke on Friday
The Manchester City manager's job. If it's not questions about possible transfer targets or eyebrows being raised over your European credentials, then it's probably Mario Balotelli blowing up some fireworks.
Not easy, eh?
Well, the man in the hot seat, Roberto Mancini, has taken a light-hearted and very well-spirited approach to calls that he can't cope with the pressure.
After storming onto the pitch following City's Champions League draw with Ajax, first-team coach David Platt instead turned to face questions from the media last week - sparking questions about the reason for the Italian's absence.
However, Mancini was back in the spotlight on Friday, and made quite the entrance sporting a mask picturing his assistant's face, while asking journalists: "Do you prefer David or me?"
The 47-year-old then explained: "People have been asking about my mood and if I have been upset. But I had a meeting last week and that was the only reason I didn't come to the press conference."
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Live!
Champions League final - LIVE!
German giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund will battle it out at Wembley for European glory. Get involved by sending us your thoughts via Twitter or Facebook! Hosted by Mark Doyle.
7:47 PM BST
I'm happy to report that not only is the Champions League final under way, Bastian Schweinsteiger is a part of it having shaken off that knock he received during the warm-up.
7:46 PM BST
We're just about ready to roll. I'll be keeping you up to date with all of the action right here, but if you want play-by-play commentary, check out our LIVE Match Centre here.
7:43 PM BST
Right, folks, the teams are in the tunnel and we're just about ready to go. This promises to be an absolute cracker, so fingers crossed it lives up to its billing. It's Borussia Dortmund versus Bayern Munich in the final of the 2013 Champions League and we're just three minutes away from kick-off!
7:40 PM BST
However, former Dortmund attacker Marcio Amoroso believes the fact that Bayern are being widely tipped to win counts for nothing tonight.
"Everyone says Bayern are the favourites, and I believe they are. But when it comes to the real thing, that doesn't exist. They'll be playing in neutral field, with split fans... When it comes to the fans, I think Borussia is much better served."
"Everyone says Bayern are the favourites, and I believe they are. But when it comes to the real thing, that doesn't exist. They'll be playing in neutral field, with split fans... When it comes to the fans, I think Borussia is much better served."
7:37 PM BST
Let's here from a couple of Brazilians with a keen interest in this game. First, former Bayern midfielder Ze Roberto, who has some interesting things to say on this all-German final.
"The German school has always been one of strength rather than technique. Today, they have found the perfect balance between the two things. That's why they've grown so much in the last few years. This final between two Germans shows the strength of the country's football.
"But the biggest difference between my Bayern and today's Bayern is that today the team is really forward-driven. It's a strong group, that plays together for a long time. They have a very experienced coach. And the players are all of international level. I see Bayern more prepared for the final.
"It will be a very good final, but I think Bayern has the advantage."
"The German school has always been one of strength rather than technique. Today, they have found the perfect balance between the two things. That's why they've grown so much in the last few years. This final between two Germans shows the strength of the country's football.
"But the biggest difference between my Bayern and today's Bayern is that today the team is really forward-driven. It's a strong group, that plays together for a long time. They have a very experienced coach. And the players are all of international level. I see Bayern more prepared for the final.
"It will be a very good final, but I think Bayern has the advantage."
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