The Eastlands outfit have been below their best in recent weeks, winning only two of their last six games, which has allowed rivals Manchester United to open up a five point lead at the top of the Premier League.
City's frustration was epitomised during the match against the Black Cats last weekend, when the hot-headed Balotelli squared up to team-mate Aleksandar Kolarov following a dispute over a free-kick.
Mancini believes the stand-off during the match at the Etihad Stadium was taken out of context and insists that the two players do not have a problem with one another.
"What happened with Kolarov on the pitch, I think it is a situation that can happen in a difficult moment," he told Sky Sports News.
“These things can happen, but after the game everything was finished.
"I’m not too worried [that Balotelli may be causing to many problems] it is important that after the game everything was ok and that we don’t have any problems between Mario and Kolarov.
"I don’t like this, but I can understand the situation."
There were also allegations that Balotelli had clashed with Yaya Toure after the game, but speaking to the Italian coach dismissed these claims as: "Totally false."City have however been boosted by the news that Sergio Aguero has been declared fit to play, with Mancini confirming: "It was just three or four days that he was out, but yesterday he started to train for the first time."
Mancini also responded to critics who have already written Manchester City out of the title race after their dip in form, asserting his desire to end the campaign on a high.
He added: "Now I think it may be more difficult, but it is my opinion that this championship is not finished.
"Why not it is possible, if they win all of their games congratulations they [United] deserve to win this title but with seven games until the end I think anything can happen.
"We’ve lost four points in two games which is also possible for them." |
