Roberto Mancini watched his team struggle to a goalless draw with Manchester City thanks to a fine performance from Joe Hart in goal, but then refused to confirm Hart's number one status at Eastlands. Having seen his new-look team dominated in the opening 45 minutes at White Hart Lane, the Italian admitted that his players will need time to settle in order to gel as a team.
"In the first-half, I think Tottenham played well, but we defended very well," Mancini told Sky Sports.
"Against Tottenham, is a difficult game, a difficult first game.
"It was the second time that these players [Manchester City], and probably we were having some difficulty."
Regarding the performance of Joe Hart, Mancini admitted that while his young 'keeper had had a great game, he cannot regard himself as first choice.
"The right decision is always after the game for the manager," he added.
"I'm happy because I have two big goalkeepers, but I must take a decision, and one strong goalkeeper must go on the bench."
Asked whether Hart would start the next match, against Liverpool at Eastlands, the Italian refused to name the England stopper as his first choice, saying only: "No, we must recover after this game."
