Mancini joked - At least I don't put the boot into players!
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Roberto Mancini: Tough? Me? At least I don't put the boot into players!
Opening old wounds: Mancini's English is now good enough for him to joke about the time Ferguson kicked a boot that hit David Beckham on the head after an FA Cup defeat against Arsenal
Nine months into his time at Manchester City and Roberto Mancini's improving English has begun to translate into a sense of humour.
Asked again after his team's Europa League win on Thursday about suggestions that he is too tough with his players, it was suggested he should try to become a 'father figure' to his squad in the manner of Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The City manager smiled and pointed to his eyebrow.
'I don't know, but remember when David Beckham had his problem...' he said. 'Every manager has his own behaviour but I think that I have a good relationship with my players.'
In referring to the famous incident when Ferguson kicked a dressing-room boot which struck the head of Beckham after an FA Cup defeat by Arsenal in 2003, Mancini demonstrated a firm grasp of English football history - and a growing self-confidence.
The former Inter boss's English has certainly improved at a far greater rate than that of England coach Fabio Capello, and he used it once again ahead of tomorrow's trip to Sunderland to stress that he does not fear the wrath of unhappy players.
Former City midfielder Stephen Ireland marked his arrival at Aston Villa, in part-exchange for James Milner, by criticising Mancini's man-management last weekend.
But the Italian responded: 'It's normal when one player doesn't play that he isn't happy. Normally in a team the players who play are happy, the players who don't aren't. I have a good relationship with all players.
Cut above: David Beckham
'If one player deserves to play because they play well, he will play. If they don't deserve to play it's difficult.
'But this is the same for me and the other managers. I played football for 20 years. I know all the problems that one can have and if a player has a problem he can speak to me every day.
'I have a good relationship because I don't have any problem with the players. The problem is when one player doesn't play. I have a good relationship with 11 players, with the others it can be harder.
'If a player has a problem he can come into my office and speak with me. I can help him every time, but I don't go with the players and say, ''Let me be your friend''.'
Mancini made a point of wishing Ireland well as he begins his career at Villa and also said he was pleased that Craig Bellamy had scored on his debut at Cardiff, where the Welshman has recently gone on loan.