Manchester City Football Club News

• Nickname:Sky Blues
• Founded:1887
• Manager:Roberto Mancini

• Ground:City of Manchester Stadium
• Capacity:48,000

Mancini denies Bellamy rift

27 Dec 2009 - 11:42:24

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New Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has rejected claims of a rift between himself and striker Craig Bellamy.

Robinho was preferred to the in-form Wales striker in Mancini's first starting line-up since replacing the sacked Mark Hughes in the Eastlands hot-seat last week.

Bellamy was reported to be upset by the club's decision to part company with Hughes and was given a rousing reception from the home fans when he replaced Robinho after 70 minutes of the 2-0 win over Stoke City.

But speaking after the match, Mancini claimed there is no problem between himself and Bellamy and has hinted that the striker will be back in the starting line-up for Monday's trip to Wolves.

"Bellamy is my friend," said Mancini. "There is no problem. I spoke with him two days ago.

"We have two games in three days and I need all the players at 100 per cent. He understood when I told him he wasn't starting.

"Today we played Robinho. It is possible we will play Craig at
Wolves on Monday."

Meanwhile, Mancini claimed he was pleased by Robinho's contribution despite replacing the £32million Brazilian midway through the second half following another ineffective display.

He added: "I was not disappointed with Robinho's performance. He played well but after 65 minutes he was tired and I needed to make a change."