The Sports Matrix: Tuesday 14 February 2012

Tevez: Mancini treated me 'like a dog' in Munich

Carlos Tevez may have yesterday jeopardised chances of a reconciliation with Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini by saying that he was treated "like a dog" during their pitch-side dispute in Munich.

The former City captain who was photographed at Buenos Aires airport leaving for England yesterday, said in a TV interview in South America that he did nothing wrong: "If I was wrong, I say sorry. I sincerely believe I did not make a mistake." Mancini has said that an apology is necessary for Tevez to return to the team.

Describing the infamous confrontation last September, Tevez said that Mancini was "in the middle of an argument [with team-mate Edin Dzeko], so he tells me to keep warming up and treats me like a dog. So when he spoke to me in that tone of voice I said 'No, I'm not going out.' I was willing to play but the coach was in such a foul mood because he had that argument with Dzeko that he started on me as well."

Tevez said it "really hurt" when he saw City fans burning his shirt after the dispute, saying that City's statements over the incident "protected the manager". MORE

Cook century sees England win at last

Alastair Cook's innings of 137 from 142 balls set up a 130-run win for England in the first one-day international against Pakistan yesterday – a welcome relief after losing the Test series 3-0. Cook, the one-day captain, called the team's display "really pleasing". MORE

Rangers heading to administration

The Scottish Premier League champions last night gave notice of their plans to go into administration. The club have 10 days to confirm this, but would incur an immediate 10-point penalty. The verdict of a tax tribunal on a £49m bill is imminent. MORE

Sponsor's call led to Suarez apology

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre received a "robust" call from club shirt sponsor Standard Chartered on Sunday morning, before Liverpool made three apologies that afternoon for Luis Suarez's refusal to shake Patrice Evra's hand on Saturday. MORE

Curbishley could replace McCarthy

Alan Curbishley is one of the favourites to replace Mick McCarthy, who was sacked as Wolves manager yesterday. "He has a great track record and the calibre of what we're looking for," said Wolves' owner and chairman, Steve Morgan. MORE

Gatland likely to get Lions role

Warren Gatland is set to be the next coach of the British Lions. The Welsh Rugby Union believes that Gatland has seen off his counterparts from Ireland and Scotland. The WRU has approved a six-month absence after a request from the Lions committee. MORE

Jones-Bishop set to return for Leeds

Ben Jones-Bishop is likely to fill in for Leeds' injured Lee Smith in the World Club Challenge against Manly on Friday. "I'm not saying he'll definitely play," said coach Brian McDermott, "but if he does, he'll be doing everything in his power to hang on to the shirt." MORE

Mickelson 'loves playing' with Tiger

Phil Mickelson has put his recent win at Pebble Beach down to playing alongside Tiger Woods: "I love playing with him. He brings out the best golf in me. I just seem more focused." The victory returned Mickelson to No 11 in the world rankings. MORE

Henry takes final bow against Milan

Thierry Henry is focused on winning tomorrow's last-16 first leg against Milan, not on the fact it is his last match before his loan to Arsenal from New York Red Bulls ends. "I have not thought about it," he said. "I just want to help Arsenal on the night." MORE

Opinion: James Lawton

It is increasingly obvious that Roman Abramovich should junk all the advice he has been given about patience: Andre Villas-Boas's record is now worse than Luiz Felipe Scolari's was when he was sacked. MORE