Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has defended his side from criticism from Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in relation to the Premier League club’s transfer indulgences.
The former West Germany international has been vocal in his disapproval of the Etihad Stadium outfit’s expenditure in the transfer market, and has asked Fifa to penalise the English club according to Financial Fair Play regulations.
In the build up to the two teams meeting in Manchester on Wednesday, Mancini has stuck up for the big-spending club.
“I don’t understand Rummenigge’s behaviour against Manchester City,” Mancini told The Guardian.
“This has been six months now that he talks against us because of financial fair play. He also says that he hopes Napoli get through to the second stage [instead of City]. I don’t know what his problem is with us.
“Manchester City are working for financial fair play for the next two years, so I don’t understand what has happened with Rummenigge.
“There are other teams in Europe that have problems with financial fair play, not just Manchester City. Rummenigge knows his football – he was an incredible player – but I don’t why.
“Every team is worried about Manchester City because now and in the future we could become one of the top clubs in the world,” he concluded.
Mancini also confirmed that Aleksandar Kolarov would miss the clash with the Bundesliga giants due to injury, whilst Micah Richards is due to undergo a late fitness test.
City need to beat the Bavarians and hope Napoli do not overcome Villarreal at El Madrigal to progress to the knockout rounds.
By Gareth McKnight
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