Stavic has no problem with Toure

Manchester City defender Stefan Savic says he has no problem with team-mate Kolo Toure after the Ivorian criticised him in a magazine interview.

The former Arsenal defender was quoted in French magazine So Foot as saying: “When you look at the performance of Savic against QPR – excuse me, I’m relaxed.”

But Savic, 20, said Toure told him nothing of the sort was said – despite the magazine claiming they have it recorded – and insisted he believes his fellow City defender.

“He said to me that he didn’t say anything,” the Montenegrin international defender told The Guardian.

“Straight away after that came out in the newspaper he spoke with me and said he didn’t tell them anything and I can only believe him.”

“I don’t think he should say something like that.”

Savic joined City from Partizan Belgrade in the off-season for an estimated seven million euros, and the young defender has been a regular face on the City bench this season.

He was selected ahead of the more experienced Toure in Wednesday’s Champions League victory over Bayern Munich, putting in a solid display at right-back.

“I’m happy because the manager picked me and I think I will play a lot of games for this club in the future,” Savic said.

Toure’s criticism stemmed from Savic’s performance in the 3-2 victory over QPR on November 5, and the Montenegrin conceded it has taken him time to adjust to the Premier League.

“That (QPR) was my first game in the Premier League from the start but I am getting used to this,” he said.

“I came from the Serbian league and I needed a little time but now I think everything is better and the time is in front of me.”

“I have a lot of experience playing international football. I also played in the Champions League last year with Partizan Belgrade and when I am training with these good players I can only improve.”