Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas denies criticising Roberto Mancini's work at Manchester City.

Villas-Boas rapped Mancini's influence on City's play in an interview this week.

"City have 17 points more than us and are first, so I cannot criticise their style," he said. "They have incredible numbers, won all their home games with 40 goals scored and six conceded. I cannot criticise this.

"But I think it's a very Italian style. My style is holding the initiative, and I don't speculate with the game.

"Roberto has brought immediate success to City and has bought his own time with his qualities, by winning the FA Cup last year and building a super-team this year that is leading the Premier League.

"But they had high expectations in other competitions from which they are already out."