Roberto Mancini laughs off Mark Hughes jibes

Mancini's men are five points clear at the top of the table Photo: Zawtowers, via Flickr

Roberto Mancini has hit back at former Manchester City boss Mark Hughes after the Welshman claimed the Carlos Tévez saga would not have happened during his reign.

Hughes also criticised Mancini’s managerial style ahead of last weekend’s Manchester derby, describing the Italian’s methods as “autocratic” and “very much his way or the highway”.

But the current City manager has responded by ridiculing Hughes’s comments, adding that the former Eastlands boss has become a lucky charm for the league leaders.

“I don’t know Mark Hughes and he doesn’t know me but I’m happy when he talks to the newspapers because before every game that he talks we win 6-1, 4-1. Every game,” Mancini said.

“Yes, it was the same [then],” he added. “I’m happy. If he talks about me before every game I’d be happy.”

Mancini added that he would never criticise the managerial styles of any Premier League bosses, including his predecessor Hughes.

“Absolutely not because I don’t know all the managers here,” he continued. “I don’t have any problem. I don’t know because I don’t know [Hughes].

“I met him two or three times. It’s impossible for me [to say] but I have respect for his opinion.”

Mancini also revealed some of the reactions he witnessed from United supporters on the journey home from Old Trafford following the 6-1 victory against the reigning champions.

“I had some United fans saying, ‘I’m red but congratulations for the victory,’“ he added. “Two or three were saying ‘f*** off!’. You can understand after the game it’s difficult.”