Manchester City have today slammed the media coverage of yesterday’s press conference at which new manager Roberto Mancini was unveiled.
News reports highlighted what was a perceived inconsistency between the responses of Mancini and chief executive Garry Cook when it came to the precise timing of the club’s approach to the Italian.
Much of the coverage claimed that it was clear that Mancini was in negotiations with City long before his predecessor Mark Hughes had any inkling of his fate.
But City have forcefully refuted that version of events today.
“The outcome was characterised in a way which has suggested that the football club and Garry Cook has lied to its fans,” a statement on the club’s official website read.
“Manchester City Football Club would like to point out that this is absolutely not the case.
“Speaking during the press conference, Garry Cook clearly stated:
“‘The decision to look at managerial options was taken only three weeks ago after the Hull game, but I think it is important for people to know that Roberto was only offered the job after the Spurs game; we negotiated on Thursday and finalised his agreement on Friday.’
“Roberto Mancini, when questioned shortly after as to when he was first contacted by the club, replied, ‘Two weeks ago, I met Khaldoon for the first time. But they called me the day after the Tottenham game. Not before.’
“In light of the fact that both Garry Cook’s and Roberto Mancini’s responses are consistent, it is with some surprise that we and our fans read some of today’s reporting.”
City have also reportedly banned newspapers from the club training ground so that players can be protected from negative headlines, according to Press Association Sport.
Zack Wilson, Goal.com UK
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