Mancini plays down rumors of Robinho rift

MANCHESTER, England: Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini insisted he had not fallen out with Robinho after bringing him off the bench only to substitute him during last weekend's defeat by Everton.

Saturday's 2-0 Premier League loss at Goodison Park was Mancini's first since he became City manager.

After Roque Santa Cruz suffered a recurrence of a hamstring injury just four minutes into the match on Merseyside, Mancini brought on Robinho (pictured).