Mancini: I treated Tevez too well, not like a dog

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini rejected Carlos Tevez's accusation he had treated him "like a dog" and said on Wednesday he had, if anything, been too nice to the rebel striker. Tevez returned from Argentina on Tuesday having spent three months in his homeland without his club's permission and has not played for City since refusing to warm up in September's Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich. Reluctant to talk about Tevez, Mancini spoke briefly about him during a news conference before yesterday's Europa League game at Porto. "I totally disagree with Carlos, what he said, because I have never treated him badly," the Italian said. "Maybe it's the opposite, I treated him too well, always. This is the last question I answer [about Tevez for] the next three months." The Argentine striker wasn't with the team in Portugal but has spoken of his desire to play a part in Premier League leaders City's pursuit of a first league title since 1968. Much will depend on what shape Tevez is in, but his strong criticism of Mancini is also unlikely to help his cause, while it also remains to be seen how forgiving fans will be over his behaviour.