Whelan comes to Mancini’s defence

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has come to the defence of Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini, calling the Italian coach a true gentleman.

The Etihad Stadium club’s manager has come under criticism of late due to waving of imaginary red cards from the touchline, but Whelan feels the media attention is unwarranted.

“Roberto Mancini is one of these managers who do tend to get excited – he gets excited when he is watching his team and I don’t blame him because they play great football and they are going for the title,” the executive told Goal.com.

“You see some managers who do not make a lot of gestures and they just watch the match.

“You just have to look at Fergie and he rarely gives anything away when he is on the sidelines. Neither does our manager, Roberto Martinez.

“I’ve got no complaints about him whatsoever. A few people have had a go at him but for me he is a total and utter gentleman.

“I spoke to him before the match and he wished us good luck for the rest of the season. He is a total gentleman.

“And I’ve got nothing but good things to say about the way City is run.

“They have got quite a few of their ex-players who go around with them such as Mike Summerbee.

“They work in the boardroom and they represent Manchester City superbly well,” he concluded.

By Gareth McKnight