Tevez fine with rival manager
>Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed that he has nothing against Carloz Tevez, despite backing rival boss Roberto Mancini.
Manchester City manager Mancini has accused Tevez of refusing to come on as a substitute during last month’s 2-0 away defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Tevez was charged with refusing to warm-up in a club investigation yesterday, as the Argentina international was cleared of original claims.
The forward spent two seasons at local rivals Manchester United before joining City in 2009, and Fergie is adamant he has never experienced any problems with the player.
On the other hand, the Red Devils’ boss included in his programme notes for Sunday’s derby game at Old Trafford, that he was impressed with the way Italian Mancini handled the situation.
“If anyone ever doubted the ability of Mancini as a manager you just have to study his handling of the Carlos Tevez situation recently, for this was a masterclass in management,” Ferguson told United Review.
“When Carlos appeared reluctant to come on as a substitute, I saw a coach angry and disturbed – and rightly so because nobody should be bigger at a club than the manager.
“He is the man who must have absolute authority, and to give way to a challenge to his control is the biggest mistake a boss can make.” Ferguson added.
“I am not saying this to have a go at Carlos. There will be cynics who will say I have it in for him because of the circumstances through which he left Old Trafford under something of a cloud.
“But I never had a problem with Carlos, and I am only speaking critically of him now because of my understanding of the difficult job all managers face.
“Carlos no doubt felt aggrieved – and I am sure he still does – but there are important principles at play here and there has to be a limit to what a head coach can tolerate. If there is a clear attempt to defy the authority of the manager, then he has to react – and vigorously so.
“Management these days has become much more complicated, not least because of the enormous amounts of money players can earn, and you cannot afford to pander to that kind of power.
The Manchester United boss concluded with, “The City boss’ reaction was spot-on and sent a clear message to the rest of the players, not just at Eastlands but also throughout the game.
“His handling of the situation distinguished him in managerial terms. I always admire the courage to do right and that was what we were seeing here.”
