Allardyce disputes Mancini rumours

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has dismissed suggestions that Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is in under pressure.

The Hammers entertain the reigning league champions at Upton Park on Saturday but Allardyce has moved to quash speculation about the Italian.

Although City are unbeaten in third place in the league, some observers have accused Mancini of upsetting his side’s rhythm by tampering with their defensive set-up.

However, Allardyce is adamant that the former Inter coach is in an enviable position compared to most managers, and insists that the champions are still a formidable side.

“I think that (Southampton manager) Nigel Adkins and (Reading boss) Brian McDermott are under more pressure than Roberto Mancini,” he told the club’s official website.

“I cannot be too worried about what is happening behind the scenes at Manchester City because my job is to pick a team to play against the quality they have got.

“You need a lot of quality against a back four of that stature and of course they have one of the best goalkeepers in the world.”

One man who could cause the City defence some problems is Andy Carroll, who has impressed since joining the Hammers on loan from Liverpool.

The England international opened his Reds account against Manchester City last year, and Allardyce would love to see him repeat that feat for the Londoners.

“It does not matter to me who scores, but if Andy can get that goal it would be great because it would be nice for him to get off the mark,” he said.

“He is a little frustrated but he is still learning to read the way his new team-mates play. The more and more he plays with this team, the more chances he will get on the end of.

“He had a good chance at Wigan on his right foot and in his heyday he would have volleyed it straight away but he tried to bring it down but was unable to control it.”

“What I do think is that he is not just a goalscorer. He has other parts to his game and is an all-round front man, his hold-up play and his movement are just as important as his ability to score goals.”