Roberto Mancini dismisses rumours of imminent sacking despite City's FA Cup final defeat

Manchester City boss claims the story as speculation, but admits the loss is difficult to take in following the shock 1-0 defeat to Wigan

A dejected Roberto Mancini at Wembley following Manchester City's shock 1-0 loss to Wigan (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini labelled speculation about his imminent departure as “rubbish” following his side’s shock 1-0 defeat to Wigan Athletic in today’s FA Cup final.

With the match looking likely to head into extra-time, it was substitute Ben Watson that stole the headlines and secured Wigan’s first ever FA Cup triumph with an injury-time header.

With stories rife that Mancini will be replaced sooner rather than later by out-going Malaga manager Manuel Pelligrini, the loss will surely act as a catalyst in the demise of the current City boss.

Mancini told ITV: "This speculation is rubbish. If I said it's rubbish, it's rubbish. Speculation and rubbish."

Mancini cut the figure of a tired and deflated man, not one that was looking forward to mounting another charge to wrestle away the Premier League title from fierce rivals Manchester United, who will be led by their own new manager David Moyes next season.

The Italian felt that his side didn’t play how we have been used to seeing them in recent seasons, and described the moment as “difficult” when asked to sum up his feelings.

"It was a difficult season because our target was to win the Premier League, and we didn't win it,” the 48-year-old admitted. “But this can happen, it's impossible to win always. And after we had this chance to win another cup...this moment is difficult.

"We had two or three incredible chances, but we didn't play like we do usually. I'm very sorry for the fans because 40,000 were here. I'm very sorry for our supporters."