Roberto Mancini said the resolution of Carlos Tevez’s transfer dispute was the only piece of good news on a night when Manchester City missed out on the opportunity of topping the table following a 2-1 defeat to Everton.
Tevez, 26, pledged his commitment to the club shortly before last night’s kick-off at Eastlands just over a week after he had submitted a transfer request.
“It was important that we resolved this situation with him,” City manager Mancini said.
“We are happy for this, but it is the only good news this evening.”
Argentine international Tevez, who retained the captaincy for the match, was largely anonymous during City’s home defeat by the Toffees.
“It is very important for everyone; the club, the squad, for him,” added Mancini. “The situation has been cleared up and everything has gone in a good way.
“It was important that we stopped talking about this situation. We are happy about that.
“Carlos is a world-class player whose contribution since he joined the club has been invaluable.
“I am pleased that we are now able to focus on pure football matters and are able to look forward to Carlos continuing to play a significant role in the club’s progress.”
City’s defeat to Everton meant they missed the chance to leapfrog rivals Manchester United and move to the top of the league table for the first time since 1929.
Mancini’s side play Newcastle, Aston Villa and Blackpool in the seven days between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day and Mancini said: “We must try to win those games.
“We had a big chance to go top after 81 years. It was a fantastic thing. But now we must restart.
“The season is long but we must understand that we cannot sleep when we play.”
