Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has given some odd quotes in recent weeks, none more so than his latest utterance that Carlos Tevez is “destined” to score the winner in tonight’s eagerly anticipated derby.
The Italian has seemingly now abandoned his previous stance that the league title bid was all but finished by stating that the former Red Devils striker could redeem himself in the eyes of City fans by getting the winner against his previous side.
“I think Carlos is destined to score the most important goal in the history of this club. This is my belief,” reckons Mancini.
“Carlos is not 100%, because it is impossible for him to be 100% after six months without playing. But he has experience, he is a clever player. He has scored four or five goals and this is important.”
As for the Argentinean’s future at the club, the striker told the Manchester Evening News that he and Mancini have finally patched up their differences.
“I’ve felt great since I came back in February, very relaxed and content and just pleased to be back playing football for Manchester City again,” he told the newspaper.
“My relationship with the manager is totally fine, he’s been as good as gold with me and there have been absolutely no problems.
“He wants to win games and be successful and if I can play a part in helping to do that, then that’s what I will work hard to do.
In the same interview, Tevez alluded to Mancini’s comments by stating that tonight is an important chance for him to answer to disgruntled City fans irked by his self-imposed sabbatical earlier this season.
“I’ve joked with people that if I DID score the winner tonight then perhaps some City fans will stop throwing my shirt away!”
