Roberto Mancini set for Carlos Tevez talks

Ken Gaunt,Pa
Friday 17 December 2010 11:27 GMT
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Tevez has vowed to give his all before a transfer
Tevez has vowed to give his all before a transfer (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini will hold talks today with Carlos Tevez, hoping the striker will still be around when they resume their Europa League campaign in February.

Mancini believes the matter could be resolved, one way or another, over the weekend - they play Everton on Monday.

Tevez, who has handed in a transfer request, was absent last night when City finished top of Group A after a 1-1 draw against Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico.

Mancini and the squad left Turin straight after the match and he is due to meet the Argentina international first thing at their Carrington training complex.

Mancini said: "I haven't had this situation before but it can happen at any club in England or Italy.

"It is important I speak to him. I want to understand what he wants to do because I think this can finish in the next two days.

"Will he play on Monday? Yes, why not. He has trained well since Tuesday and he doesn't have a problem.

"On Monday we have a very difficult game and I want all my players to be there, 100%."

City will now go into the hat for the round of 32 in confident mood following Jo's equaliser.

The Brazilian capped a good night's work by sweeping home a cross from Adam Johnson at the back post in the 77th minute.

It meant City edged out Lech Poznan on goal difference to claim pole position after Niccolo Giannetti had opened the scoring for Juventus.

Mancini, who made nine changes after the victory against West Ham, said: "I am very happy because we wanted this and it was very important to finish top of the group.

"We have a chance to go all the way but it is important to have a good draw for the next round after that we will see.

"Juventus are a good team and we started very well and it was strange to concede the goal. But we played well and for me this is important.

"I did not expect to play against such a strong Juventus team but our players showed good character and we hope to carry on like this."

It was Jo's second goal in the competition and Mancini was pleased for a player who once seemed surplus to requirements.

"I have known Jo for five years. He played against Inter in the Champions League and scored two goals. He was young but he was a good player and he still is a good player," he added.

"He played the last two games for us and did not score. But he has done very well, so I am pleased he scored tonight."

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