Manchester City assistant manager David Platt has said that speculation surrounding the future of Roberto Mancini was "not ideal" before their FA Cup final defeat to Wigan Athletic on Saturday.
Before the game, reports had suggested that the City hierarchy were ready to replace Mancini with Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini, and Platt admits that the stories were not the best way to prepare for the showpiece final.
"It's not ideal and of course [the speculation] didn't help our cause," Platt told Sky Sports News.
"But we had a game of football to play and we can't put our finger on reports and where about they came from as the reason [for defeat].
"We live in a world were supposedly a flurry of bets can create a frenzy and headlines and if they're not stopped they gain momentum."
Mancini has reiterated that he will remain at the club next season by slamming the reports as "rubbish".
Written by
Paul Gorst
Paul Gorst
