Roberto Mancini: 'Top players should be capable of playing in all systems'

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has insisted that "top players" should be able to play in any system on the field.

The Italian boss has come under criticism after switching his defensive tactics from a back-four formation to a back-three midway through City's 3-1 defeat to Ajax in the Champions League on Wednesday.

"If you are a top player it is not important what system you use," said Mancini. "If you don't understand a system like that, you cannot play for a top team."

Reports have claimed that a collection of senior players are frustrated with Mancini as they continue to struggle to adapt to the coach's new system.