23 Dec 2009Manchester City deny 'lying' to fans over Mancini appointment

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Manchester City have claimed that they did not set out to deceive fans over the circumstances surrounding Roberto Mancini's arrival at Eastlands.

The 45-year-old Italian was formally unveiled as the club's new manager on Monday (December 21st) following the sacking of Mark Hughes, but the manner of his appointment has angered some fans.

While chief executive Garry Cook said that Mancini only agreed to take the job last Friday, the former Internazionale boss appeared to contradict that statement by revealing during Monday's press conference that he was first approached by chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak two weeks ago.

However, a statement issued by the club on Tuesday denied that supporters had been deliberately misled.

"The outcome was characterised in a way which has suggested that the football club and Garry Cook has lied to its fans. Manchester City would like to point out that this is absolutely not the case," the statement said.

Hughes leaves after 18 months in charge of Manchester City with the club lying sixth in the English Premier League, 12 points behind leaders Chelsea with a game in hand.

Written by Mark Thompson

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