Mancini cool over strikers' lack of goals

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is backing his misfiring strikers to get his side's title charge back on track.

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Sergio Aguero, Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko have scored 43 times between them in all competitions this season but their lack of goals in recent weeks has compounded the team's loss of form. City endured a difficult January, losing twice in the Barclays Premier League and being knocked out of two cup competitions.

Top scorer Aguero has not scored in five, Balotelli is serving a four-game suspension and although Dzeko has scored two in his last four matches, he has spurned a number of chances. Mancini, thinking back to City's free-scoring start to the campaign, said: "People were saying how many goals City could score - 100, 200 - but this is impossible."

He added: "There are some moments when you score three or four goals but others when you can't score any goals. It is impossible to score three or four goals every game for 38 games. Probably when Sergio, Mario, Dzeko start to score goals - that moment will probably change our situation."

Questions have been asked of City's ability to handle the pressure of the title race after losing 1-0 at Everton on Tuesday. With champions United now trailing only on goal difference, City face a test of their nerve as they host Fulham at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening.

Mancini said: "I think until now we have had a fantastic season but we know that if we want to win the title, you can't win it now. You should fight until the last two or three games because United have big experience."

Mancini has no doubt about his ability to maintain the fight, having previously guided Inter Milan to three Serie A titles. He said: "There doesn't exist a place like Inter Milan, where you can really be under pressure. After Inter Milan, you can manage every team.

"Inter Milan has a big history like United. When you are a manager there you have a pressure every day, every minute. After Inter Milan you can't have pressure."

City could hand a debut to new loan signing David Pizarro. The 32-year-old former Chile international joined the club until the end of the season from Roma just before Tuesday's transfer deadline.

City are also without Kolo and Yaya Toure, who are still at the African Nations Cup with Ivory Coast.

Manchester City aim to steal march on rivals

Manchester City will aim to turn the pressure back on their title rivals on Saturday by re-establishing their slender lead at the top of the Premier League table with victory over Fulham.

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City have endured a wobbly start to 2012, exiting both domestic cup competitions while suffering defeats against Sunderland and Everton to leave Roberto Mancini's side level on points with second placed Manchester United.

But with United facing a potentially tricky visit to Chelsea on Sunday, and third placed Tottenham travelling to Liverpool on Monday, City could well finish the latest round of fixtures with their noses back in front.

A dejected Mancini blamed himself for City's latest setback, a surprising 1-0 reverse at Everton on Tuesday which allowed United to go level on points with their bitter cross-town rivals.

Mancini said he had made "several mistakes" in the build-up to the Everton game which would not be repeated as City aim to preserve their remarkable 100 percent home record against the Cottagers.

"I acknowledge my mistake. It is important for me to know this because, like this, I can't do the same mistakes in the next game," said Mancini, who nevertheless insisted City were still in the driving seat.

"We are on the top again. We have 15 games. It is important next Saturday we win the game at home. We have time."

United meanwhile could welcome back Wayne Rooney, Nani and Ashley Young this weekend for their trip to Stamford Bridge, a venue that has been anything but a happy hunting ground for Sir Alex Ferguson's side in recent seasons.

Although United defeated Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in last season's Champions League quarter-finals, Ferguson is still riled by the memory of his team's recent league meetings at the venue.

Last season a controversial Frank Lampard penalty gave Chelsea a 2-1 win while in 2010 United were left seething by a John Terry winner that Ferguson believed should have been disallowed.

"Games at Chelsea in the last few years have been tough and we?ve had terrible luck there which has caused us disappointing results," Ferguson said.

The United manager has challenged his players to respond to a series of demanding away fixtures as they bid to overhaul City.

"We've done very well away from home this season and we need to be good from now on," Ferguson said.

"We've got some really important away games in the run-in -- Chelsea, Tottenham and City. They're going to be crucial games.

"The players know what they need to do. They know their responsibilities and the standard and expectation at the club, and they have to carry those things with them when they go into games."

Liverpool meanwhile will look to maintain their impressive recent run of results against Spurs at Anfield on Monday, where victory for the Reds would edge them ever closer to the Champions League qualifying places.

The Merseysiders have responded strongly since being lashed by manager Kenny Dalglish following a tame defeat at Bolton last month, squeezing past Manchester City to reach the League Cup final while knocking Manchester United out of the FA Cup last weekend.

A comprehensive 3-0 win at Wolves on Tuesday was the perfect preparation for the visit of third-placed Tottenham, which is expected to see Luis Suarez make his return from an eight-match ban for racist abuse.

Liverpool midfielder Jay Spearing said confidence was sky high at Anfield following their sequence of victories.

"The results we've had have brought the team closer together," Spearing said. "We've always been a close-knit group and are starting to show that on the pitch. It was just going to take some time before it started showing."

Kompany: City have title resolve

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany insists the Blues have the mental toughness to stand the heat in the Barclays Premier League title race.

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The pressure has been turned up on league leaders City, with their 1-0 defeat at Everton on Tuesday night coupled with Manchester United's 2-0 victory over Stoke meaning that Roberto Mancini's side now top the table by goal difference alone.

It remains to be seen whether they can hold off United's challenge, but Kompany is confident City's players will not buckle, and said: "If there is one thing I know about our team it is that we are mentally strong."

He added: "We have been living with this pressure for the past three and a half years [since the club's Abu Dhabi takeover in 2008], and it has not affected us. If anything it will give us a boost to carry on and if people want to underestimate us, then please do so."

The game at Goodison Park marked Kompany's return to the City team after a four-game suspension following his red card in the 3-2 FA Cup third-round defeat to United last month.

In the defender's absence, the team managed to win twice in the league but were beaten over two legs by Liverpool in the Carling Cup semi-final.

With the Everton loss included, it has been a frustrating period for Kompany, but the Belgian is feeling optimistic about what lies ahead and - with the visit of Fulham to the Etihad Stadium coming up in the league on Saturday - eager to push on.

"It's not been enjoyable but I have been looking at the team and still feel that we have done a good job," Kompany said. "Now we have to look forward, and looking forward I see good things for us, and that is what is important.

"I have always said about our team that we always bounce back very well, and if for some reason you are not lucky and lose a game - giving due credit to Everton - you just have to carry on. On another day we would have won the game.

"My role now is to say to the guys that this one is over, and it's on to the next game, and a clean sheet. We start from the beginning again."

City have winning mentality, says Kompany

Vincent Kompany insists Manchester City have the mental strength to win the Premier League title.

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Roberto Mancini's expensively-assembled side have seen their lead at the top of the Premier League cut by Manchester United after winning just three of their last six games.

They start the weekend level on points with United but remain at the top of the table due to a superior goal difference.

City have an opportunity to pile the pressure on their neighbours. United will start their tough game at fourth-placed Chelsea on Sunday three points behind if City can defeat mid-table Fulham at home on Saturday.

"If there is one thing I know about our team it is that we are mentally strong," said City captain Kompany.

"We have been living with this pressure for the past three and a half years, and it has not affected us.

"If anything it will give us a boost to carry on and if people want to underestimate us, then please do so."

Mancini's side, defeated in the League Cup semi-final by Liverpool last week, are aiming to bounce back after suffering a 1-0 loss at Everton in midweek.

They have been hurt by the loss of brothers Kolo and Yaya Toure who are representing the Ivory Coast at the African Cup of Nations. Kompany has also just returned from a four-match suspension.

"It's not been an enjoyable week, but I have been looking at the team and still feel that we have done a good job," added former Hamburg player Kompany.

"Now we have to look forward, and looking forward I see good things for us, and that is what is important.

"I have always said about our team that we always bounce back very well, and if for some reason you are not lucky and lose a game - giving due credit to Everton - you just have to carry on.

"My role now is to say to the guys that this one is over, and it's on to the next game, and a clean sheet. We start from the beginning again.

"There is no such thing as a winnable game. You can win every game, or lose every game. But if we prepare the way we have to, I still think we are always going to start as favourites, and we need to maximise on that."

Fulham arrive at City at the end of a week which saw them held to a 1-1 home draw by West Brom after selling striker Bobby Zamora to London rivals Queens Park Rangers in a deal that could be worth more than £6 million.

Manager Martin Jol insisted the departure of Zamora, who scored 20 goals in 91 league appearances, was in the best interests of the club.

"Bobby wanted to move so we had to wait for a good offer and QPR made a good offer," said Jol.

"We have a good atmosphere here, a good spirit and they all want to play for the club.

"You have to appreciate for me the most important thing is that they want to play for Fulham and that they want to play with their heart."

Tevez denies interview

Carlos Tevez has attempted to diffuse the latest furore about his relationship with Manchester City by denying he made the comments attributed to him in the German magazine Kicker.

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In the published interview, it was said that Tevez felt the way he had been treated by City was "strange" and he did not care what people thought about his conduct. However, his representatives have this evening poured cold water on the entire interview.

A statement issued by his representative read: "Regarding an interview published in Kicker magazine today (2.2.12), Carlos Tevez categorically denies both speaking to any journalist about his situation at Manchester City and the quotes attributed to him in the interview."

The Argentinian's future has been the subject of intense debate for months now.

He has still not played for City since becoming embroiled in a dispute with the club in September and it was widely anticipated he would leave during the transfer window.

However, despite interest from Inter Milan, AC Milan and Paris St Germain, no transfer was concluded and City flatly refused to enter into discussions over a loan deal for the 27-year-old.

Tevez remains in Argentina and whilst there has been speculation he is about to return, it is understood that is not going to happen immediately.

Gibson strike sinks City

Former Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson boosted his old club's title chances by firing Everton to a stunning 1-0 win over Manchester City.

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Gibson lashed home his first goal since quitting Old Trafford earlier this month as the Barclays Premier League leaders slipped up at Goodison Park.

The visitors hit the bar in the first half through Samir Nasri but Everton, who earlier saw a Denis Stracqualursi effort cleared off the line, again proved stubborn opposition for City.

League to rule on Tevez appeal

The Premier League have confirmed they will deal with Carlos Tevez's appeal against a six-week fine imposed by Manchester City "at the earliest available opportunity".

Tevez's advisors lodged an appeal against the gross-misconduct fine of approximately £1.2million with the Premier League on Monday night.

"The Premier League received correspondence from Carlos Tevez last night giving notice of Mr Tevez's intention to appeal against a disciplinary sanction imposed on him by his club, Manchester City," the Premier League confirmed. "Premier League rules allow for players to appeal disciplinary decisions under Section K and the Premier League Board will consider this request at the earliest available opportunity."

Tevez is now back in the same position he found himself in late last year, when he also appealed against a similar fine following his failure to warm-up during a Champions League encounter with Bayern Munich.

On that occasion, Tevez managed to get the fine reduced to two weeks' wages, only to head back to Argentina a fortnight later, since when he has not returned.

City imposed the fine on December 22, having tried - and failed - to get the striker to report for duty. They had already stopped paying the player's wages, a move which it is estimated has so far cost Tevez £1.9million.

Tevez subsequently appealed against the punishment but that was thrown out on January 7 after a hearing involving two City directors, Marty Edelman and Mohamed al-Mazrouei.

Unlike last time, when PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor stepped in on Tevez's behalf, in this instance City feel their case is watertight.

Pizarro linked to City loan

Roma are negotiating the transfer of midfielder David Pizarro to Manchester City, according to club general director Franco Baldini.

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The Chile international has been strongly linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium to bolster City's midfield.

Reports in Italy claim Pizarro will join the Blues on loan until the end of the season.

"We are only negotiating with Manchester City for Pizarro," Baldini was reported as saying on www.asromanews.it. "We will try to complete the deal before tonight."

The 32-year-old Pizarro has made just seven league appearances for Roma this season. He joined the club from Inter Milan in 2006 and is under contract with the Giallorossi until June 2013.

Tevez appeals to Premier League

Carlos Tevez has appealed to the Premier League against the six-week fine imposed by Manchester City for his ongoing absence.

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City imposed the fine after finding Tevez guilty of gross misconduct on December 22. Tevez subsequently appealed against the punishment but that was thrown on January 7 after a hearing involving two City directors, Marty Edelman and Mohamed al-Mazrouei.

However, as with the disciplinary action brought against him after his non-appearance in Munich last September, Tevez had the option of taking the matter to the Premier League and Press Association Sport understands he has done just that.

Back in September, the 27-year-old succeeded in having a fine reduced from six weeks' wages to two, a saving of approximately £800,000.

In this instance, City feel their case is watertight given the punishment related to Tevez's presence in Argentina, where he has remained since November 7.

With it appearing increasingly likely Tevez will still be a City player after the end of today's transfer deadline, his assimilation back into Roberto Mancini's squad does not look like being straightforward.

The Premier League will now be forced to schedule a hearing date, although it could be the end of next month before that takes place.

Mancini bemused by Tevez claims

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has no idea why the blame for all Carlos Tevez's problems has suddenly been laid at his door.

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With Tevez likely to remain at City beyond the transfer deadline, a repair job could be required to patch up the South American's differences with Mancini. Yet, until Friday, when Tevez's long-time advisor Kia Joorabchian outlined the fact his client had always felt uneasy about Mancini, the City boss did not think there were any problems beyond their obvious fall-out in Munich last September.

"I don't know why they are suggesting this," said Mancini, of the image that is being portrayed about his relationship with Tevez.

"I have always had a good relationship with him. After Munich, I called him to my house and told him if he apologised he could come back. For me, it is no problem.

"I had always good behaviour from him. I don't know what the problem is. He has always said that he wants to leave Manchester, that he wants to be close to his family. I have helped him with this, last year and this year.

"It is very strange."

The fact Joorabchian did make his comments means that it is fairly easy to come up with a name to fill the criticisms of some agents that Mancini, without naming anyone, outlined ahead of the Blues' Premier League encounter with Everton this evening.

"Sometimes it is difficult to understand why some players have certain agents," said Mancini.

"If I was a player I would never take an agent like some who work here. First the agent should find the player work, after that they should help players in difficult situations; help them, not put them against the club or the manager or the other players.

"Agents are important for doing this, not only for earning lots of money."

Mancini still unsure over Tevez

Roberto Mancini has admitted he doesn't know whether Carlos Tevez will still be a Manchester City player on Tuesday night.

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As the transfer window heads into its frenetic final stages, Tevez remains in Argentina, but it looks increasingly likely that he will be staying at City.

Yet, as Mancini knows only too well, the last hours before deadlines can trigger amazing deals, and with AC Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani not completely ruling out a further bid, the City manager admitted: "I don't know if he will be a City player after tomorrow."

The chances of Tevez not being around appear to hinge on the unlikely instance of City contacting Milan to try and resurrect a deal for a player who was mentioned in a potential swap deal with Liverpool's Andy Carroll last week.

As that tentative inquiry was snubbed, it is hard to see why the Blues would be willing to enter further negotiations with a club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak accused of trying to sign Tevez on the cheap less than a week ago.

"I will be in the office from 0900 to 1900 hours for the last two days of the transfer window," Galliani said to Milan Channel. "I truly believe there will be no surprises. But who knows? In football, anything can happen."

If Tevez remains a City player, it would pitch the 27-year-old back into a relationship with his manager that has never been good according to advisor Kia Joorabchian.

Yet those words, delivered on Friday, are at odds with the history of Tevez's relationship with Mancini, who continues to insist there are no issues.

"Everyone should answer for his behaviour, always," said the City manager. "These are the rules.

"If a player wants to join another club, it is an option for him. Maybe for the club it is a big problem. But Carlos doesn't have any problem with me."

Mancini dismisses Tevez feud

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini insists Carlos Tevez has never had a problem with him.

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With Tevez now looking increasingly likely to remain at City after Tuesday's transfer window has closed, Mancini felt the need to address comments made by the player's advisor Kia Joorabchian on Friday. Joorabchian claimed Tevez's relationship with his manager had never been good and there had been "feuds" with Mancini throughout their time together.

This has come as a surprise to Mancini, who has always got the impression he had a good working relationship with a player he made his skipper at the start of last season. "Carlos doesn't have any problem with me," said the City boss.

It has been claimed Tevez wants to join AC Milan, which is the reason why approaches from Inter Milan and Paris St Germain were unsuccessful.

All three clubs have now said they are out of the running during this transfer window, although it would not entirely be a surprise if there was a last-ditch attempt to sign Tevez from someone.

Presently though, the 27-year-old remains in Argentina, as he has been for over two months.

There have been suggestions he will return if his future is not sorted this week, leaving Mancini with a tricky problem trying to reintegrate a player in his squad who has taken such an extreme stance.

"Everyone should always answer for his behaviour," Mancini added.

"If a player is at one club and wants to go to another, it is an option for the player. Maybe for the club it is a big problem."

Refs are fatigued - Mancini

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini accepts decisions will go against his club - because referees can also get tired.

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In recent games City have conceded a costly penalty in Wednesday's Carling Cup semi-final exit at Liverpool and seen striker Mario Balotelli etrospectively banned for four matches for violent conduct for an offence not punished on field by the referee against Tottenham last weekend.

City have also had to deal without captain Vincent Kompany for four matches after a controversial sending-off, and Mancini said: "I think playing a lot of games is also difficult for them (referees). The refs sometimes are tired - to play every two or three days is difficult for the players, and for the referee. The referee is like me, like the players. They can be tired sometimes."

Mancini, however, does not think his team are the victims of any conspiracy, only bad luck.

He said: "Yes, yes - in December and January, it is only this way."

Defender Micah Richards, who conceded the penalty at Anfield for handball when the ball rebounded off his foot on to his arm, also believes City have had more than their fair share of bad decisions.

The 23-year-old suggests the club's now prominent position, as Barclays Premier League leaders, might be costing them the benefit of any doubt.

Richards said: "I wouldn't say everyone is against us, but when a team comes from nowhere and is doing so well, top of the league, you are going to get decisions against you.

"We don't think everyone is against us. We have coped well getting this far in the season, and you could argue some decisions could have been dealt with better but we can't dwell on them."

Richards: Keep strong and carry on

Manchester City defender Micah Richards expects the team to 'keep strong' amid their latest difficulties.

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City still have a four-point lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League but have endured a damaging month with elimination from two cup competitions and the absences of key players being keenly felt.

However, Richards said: "We have other stuff going on as well but we will keep strong and we will look forward to our next game, which is Everton. We will go there and try to get a win."

Captain Vincent Kompany has missed the last four games following his controversial sending off in the FA Cup third-round loss to Manchester United - also a key factor in that result - while striker Mario Balotelli has just begun his own four-match ban.

City are also unable to call on Yaya and Kolo Toure due to the African Nations Cup while the ongoing Carlos Tevez saga continues to attract headlines. Their latest disappointment came as they were edged out by Liverpool in the semi-finals of the Carling Cup but Richards looked for positives.

The 23-year-old said: "Obviously Mario is suspended but we have got a boost now with Vinny coming back."

City's hopes of reaching the Carling Cup final were ended at Anfield as they were held 2-2 by Liverpool to go out 3-2 on aggregate.

Richards was at the centre of controversy after being adjudged by referee Phil Dowd to have handled to concede the penalty which led to the first of Liverpool's two equalisers. Richards, playing in an unfamiliar role as one of three centre-backs, stretched to block a Daniel Agger shot but the ball rebounded off his leg and hit his arm.

He told City TV: "I think the referee made a poor decision for the penalty. It struck my foot and has gone on to my hand.

"I don't know what he expects me to do with that. But it was a decision. I won't say it has cost us but it has clearly played a massive part."

Balotelli accepts FA charge but insists he is no villain

Volatile Italian striker Mario Balotelli began a four match suspension on Wednesday after accepting an FA charge of violent conduct in relation to his stamping on Spurs midfielder Scott Parker's head last Sunday.

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The 21-year-old Manchester City striker risked a heavier suspension had he contested the charge at a hearing later this week and thus misses Wednesday's League Cup semi-final second leg clash with Liverpool and three Premier League games.

While he had not even been booked for the incident in Sunday's Premier League clash referee Howard Webb had stated later that had he seen his stamp he would have sent him off.

Webb's remarks infuriated the Balotelli camp and his agent accused the 2010 World Cup final referee of having lied about not seeing the incident, though, the FA earlier Wednesday issued a statement defending the referee.

As well as the League Cup match Balotelli - who went on after the Parker incident to score the winning goal from the penalty spot in the final minute of the match - will also miss the Premier League games between the leaders and Everton, Fulham and Aston Villa.

Bernstein defends Webb

Football Association chairman David Bernstein has leapt to the defence of referee Howard Webb following a sustained attack on the official in the wake of Mario Balotelli's violent conduct charge.

Manchester City striker Balotelli has until 6pm today to respond to the charge relating to an incident in which he appeared to stamp on Scott Parker's head during Sunday's 3-2 Barclays Premier League win over Tottenham. City assistant manager David Platt said he felt Webb had seen the incident in real time meaning Balotelli should not have been charged.

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Bernstein has now issued a strong statement on behalf of the man who refereed the last World Cup final, saying: "Howard Webb is a fantastic referee and a great ambassador for the sport. His ability and integrity are beyond question."

The player's agent, Mino Raiola, had gone far further in his criticism, accusing Webb of acting like a "coward" and alleging the Yorkshireman changed his mind over the incident once Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has voiced his dismay in the aftermath of his side's defeat, when Balotelli scored the match-winning penalty in stoppage time.

Bernstein added: "[Webb] has the utmost respect from within football in England and around the world.

"That could not have been demonstrated more clearly than in 2010, when he was chosen to referee the UEFA Champions League final and the FIFA World Cup final, and this summer he has been selected for UEFA Euro 2012.

"We all have a duty to respect our referees. To question their integrity or imply anything other than total impartiality is reckless and unfounded.

"It harms the perception and treatment of referees at every level of football, and we must not allow that climate to exist."

It is widely anticipated Balotelli will accept his ban, triggering a four-match suspension and ruling him out of Manchester City's Carling Cup semi-final with Liverpool at Anfield.

Agent claims Balotelli victimised

Manchester City hope to see plenty more of Mario Balotelli despite an impending ban and a threat from his agent he could quit English football.

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Should hints coming out of the club that they will not contest a Football Association charge for violent conduct prove correct, the maverick Italian striker will begin a four-match suspension on Wednesday night.

First-team coach David Platt said: "The likelihood is we will be without Mario for the next four games. When he is available again we will utilise him to help achieve what we want to achieve this season."

The charge, relating to his clash with Scott Parker in Sunday's Barclays Premier League defeat of Tottenham, led to suggestions from agent Mino Raiola that the player feels victimised. Raiola has also strongly criticised referee Howard Webb over the incident.

Balotelli, 21, has been at the centre of a number of controversies since his £24million arrival from Inter Milan in August 2010 and Raiola has claimed his reputation could be counting against him.

Raiola, in one of series of interviews on Tuesday, told Sky Sports News: "Mario feels very uncomfortable. He is really disappointed and thinks it's unjust.

"He feels he is being judged more harshly than the rest by the referees. It's clear whatever he does... maybe other people get away with it."

Raiola said his client, who has also been sent off three times in his City career, does not want to leave the club but could be driven to do so.

He said: "He would love to stay in the Premier League for a long time and won't move this transfer window, for sure. It's not our intention, let that be clear.

"It's fantastic, he loves it and feels at home. But if every week some referee [does this] with Mario, maybe you say, 'That's enough' and he goes to another country."

Johnson hungry for success

Manchester City head to Liverpool tonight insisting it is not mission impossible to claim a place in the Carling Cup final.

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City trail from the first leg a fortnight ago and are likely to be without Mario Balotelli through suspension, in addition to Vincent Kompany, plus Yaya and Kolo Toure, who are on African Nations Cup duty with the Ivory Coast. Yet Blues winger Adam Johnson believes the Reds' 1-0 advantage will create an uncertainty City have the players to exploit.

He said: "It's a tricky one for them. Do they try to attack us or try to defend against our quality players for 90 minutes? The thing is no matter who we play, we will create chances at some point. We beat them 3-0 at home, so we can score against them."

He added: "No-one is expecting us to go through so the pressure is off for once and we can go there with freedom, play our football and have a go. It won't be easy but we are quietly confident."

The added advantage for City is that they have fresh memories of winning trophies. And, as Johnson revealed, the euphoria of that FA Cup final victory at Wembley last May has created an insatiable appetite for silverware.

"When you have won something you shouldn't just be content with that. It should drive you on even more," said Johnson "That's why you see the top players walk away with so many medals at the end of their careers.

"I don't want to be happy just because I have an FA Cup medal. Even if we win the Premier League, I will strive for more.

"With the players we have, we want to do it again and again. That is the mentality we are developing."

It is one of the positive spin-offs of being at a club that has advanced so quickly. Even in the two years since Johnson arrived in a £7million deal from Middlesbrough to become Roberto Mancini's first signing, the progress has been breathtaking.

"Manchester City was already a massive club when I signed but in the two years since, the players who have come in have moved it to the next level," he said. "I didn't know what to expect because everything happened so quickly. It only seems like yesterday that I came but already we are top of the league and have won the FA Cup."

Tevez counts cost as City dig in

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak has warned AC Milan they will not allow Carlos Tevez to leave on the cheap just to bring an end to a long-running saga that has so far cost the controversial striker £9.3million.

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Although Paris St Germain and Inter Milan have both expressed an interest in signing Tevez, the 27-year-old would prefer to join AC Milan. Yet the seven-time European Cup winners have failed to come up with a suitable offer, their last bid of 25 million euros (£20.9million) turned down two weeks ago as it is believed City want at least £25million for the player.

"As things stand, AC Milan is not an option for Carlos Tevez," Khaldoon told the Abu Dhabi-based newspaper The National.

"Mr Galliani and his advisors have developed a misplaced sense of confidence from their premature discussions with Carlos Tevez and his advisors. If they want to be a consideration in this transfer window, they would do better to stop congratulating one another and begin to look at how they would meet our terms."

Tevez is presently in Argentina, having returned to South America on November 7, two weeks after he was fined a fortnight's wages for his failure to warm up during City's Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich in September, which had been six before it was reduced on appeal.

It now transpires City stopped paying wages estimated at £200,000-a-week at the end of November and also fined Tevez six weeks wages for gross misconduct over his refusal to return.

That fine is currently the subject of an appeal to the Premier League as Tevez's initial challenge was rejected by Blues directors Marty Edelman and Mohamed al-Mazrouei on January 7.

A final verdict is expected by the end of the month. However, as Tevez also forfeited £6million in loyalty bonuses prior to the Bayern episode at the Allianz Arena due to his previous requests to leave City, his dispute with the Premier League leaders has now cost him the quite staggering sum.

Although it appears highly unlikely, Tevez could return to training with the club he is currently contracted to as it appears Galliani and his Milan colleagues have left Khaldoon unimpressed. He added: "Carlos remains a player with contractual obligations to Manchester City for the next two-and-a-half seasons.

"Unless we receive an offer that we deem appropriate, the terms of his contract will be enforced. Inter Milan and Paris St Germain approached discussions with us in good faith and it is always a positive experience to deal with people with a professional approach."

Balotelli's agent accuses referee Webb of lying

The agent of volatile Italian striker Mario Balotelli on Tuesday accused England's leading referee Howard Webb of lying over the alleged headstamping by his player on Scott Parker in Sunday's Premier League game between Manchester City and Spurs.

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Webb - who refereed the 2010 World Cup final - took no action over Balotelli's apparent deliberate headstamping of Parker but subsequently said that if he had seen the incident he would have sent the City player off.

However Mino Raiola, Ballotelli's agent, took issue with Webb's claim.

"I am very angry with the referee, because he lied," Raiola told Italian station Radio Radio.

"The TV images clearly show that the referee is no more than a metre away and that he is looking towards the incident, how can he say that he did not see what he was looking at?"

Regardless of Webb's intervention after the match Balotelli is staring at a four game suspension after being charged with violent conduct by the Football Association (FA) on Monday.

He will begin it on Wednesday - thereby missing the League Cup second leg semi-fnal tie with Liverpool and three Premier League games - should he not appeal the charge.