Roberto Mancini has defended Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart against criticism from Roy Keane, who accused Hart of being 'cocky' following his mistake in England's 1-1 draw with Poland in a World Cup qualifier.
Mancini argued that a certain level of cockiness is essential for goalkeepers, stating: 'Every keeper is like this. It is important because it's different to another position. If you want to be a keeper, you should be cocky.' He added that Hart works hard and is one of the best keepers in England and Europe.
Keane, a former Manchester United captain, had told ITV: 'There's a fine line between confident and cocky and I think he's been a little bit too cocky this year. He just relaxes a little bit and takes his eye off the ball.'
Mancini dismissed suggestions that Yaya Touré might leave the club, saying: 'Every day we have a new challenge here because in two and a half years we won the FA Cup, the Premier League and the Community Shield.' He also expressed hope that Touré would stay despite the upcoming African Cup of Nations.
Additionally, Mancini suggested that City's match should have been moved from Saturday to Sunday due to England's game being played a day later, noting that it would be easy to schedule a 3pm kick-off on Sunday.
