Gigi Simoni has slated the man-management skills of Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini.

Simoni was reacting to reports that Luis Figo refused to enter the field against Liverpool this week.

Former Inter boss Simoni rapped: "I have always been very clear - I asked my players not to insult me, because I would not accept it.

"If I saw that there was a risk of that happening with someone, I wouldn't let him play. Football players are convinced they cannot be treated in a certain fashion, so it's best to let them understand how things are immediately.

"It's strange. Ronaldo asked to leave when Hector Cuper put him on the bench. Taribo West threw his shirt at Mircea Lucescu. Marcello Lippi said he wanted to give the entire squad a kick up the backside.

"I have to say none of this happened to me. Should I worry? Maybe I was just lucky."