Mancini hits out after Lambert spat

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini believes his touchline row with Aston Villa counterpart Paul Lambert is typical of the attitude many opposition managers have towards him.

The pair exchanged heated words in the second half of City's 4-2 Capital One Cup defeat at the Etihad Stadium after the Italian complained to the fourth official about a tackle by Joe Bennett on Gareth Barry.

"I am tired with these managers," said Mancini, who has had his fair share of touchline confrontations during his time in England. "I didn't say nothing to him (Lambert). There are some managers it is better to shut up."

He added: "I asked only if there was a yellow card - without moving my hands (Mancini has been guilty in the past of waving imaginary cards) - with the fourth official and he comes over to me."

Mancini went on to say: "I am very tired with their behaviour. Sometimes these managers go to the big stadiums and the other manager says everything and they say nothing."

Lambert brushed aside Mancini's complaints, saying: "If that's what he said then fine. I respect him as a manager and an ex-player. It wasn't really a spat. It was nothing."

Mancini may well have been trying to deflect attention from his side's third-round exit, having reached the semi-finals in two of the last three seasons. Despite making 10 changes from Sunday's 1-1 draw with Arsenal, the City boss was still able to field a team with combined value well over £150million.

However, they twice threw away leads given to them by Mario Balotelli and then Aleksandar Kolarov after Villa old boy Gareth Barry's own goal had made it 1-1. Gabriel Agbonlahor took the tie to extra time and added a second after Charles N'Zogbia had put Villa ahead for the first time.

"It was a difficult match because Aston Villa were a good team," added Mancini. "We didn't play well and we had some unlucky moments but I think they deserved to go through."

Lambert, in his first season at Villa Park having taken over in the summer, was delighted with the performance. "It is a massive result for us. I thought the way we played was excellent," he added. "It was a brilliant response from the team. It was a huge effort."