Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini believes there is more to come from Carlos Tevez after he inspired their comeback win over Chelsea.
City manager also insists there are no ill-feelings with rebel striker
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini believes there is more to come from Carlos Tevez after he inspired their comeback win over Chelsea.
Tevez came off the bench to set up a dramatic late winner for Samir Nasri in his first appearance in six months following his self-imposed exile.
Mancini admits the striker is still working his way back to full fitness, but he is confident the Argentine will win over any dissenting fans during the Premier League run-in.
Time
"I think it was important that Carlos made an incredible assist for Samir and all the supporters were happy with that," Mancini said.
"I think Carlos needs more time, it's not easy for him but it's important that he is here now.
"Maybe in 10 days, two weeks, he can find good form. I think that will be important for us.
"Carlos is maybe not 100 per cent but he knows football and he was important because he was incredible for us.
"I have spoken with Carlos every day this month and he knows he had to come off the bench and play 20 minutes in this game but he can play more in the future.
"He's an important player, he needs another two or three weeks to have good form but when he plays, he knows where to take the ball."
Mancini also insisted that ill-feeling between himself and Tevez was finished despite the City boss previously claiming the forward would never play for him again.
"That was finished a month ago when Carlos came back here," added Mancini.
"Now it's important for Carlo to play some games for us, for him, for his future."
Balotelli
Mancini also revealed he decided to substitute Mario Balotelli for tactical reasons at the start of the second half.
The Italy international was replaced by Gareth Barry at the break and Mancini admits he was not happy with Balotelli's first-half showing.
"I didn't like [how] he [Balotelli] played, so I made a tactical sub.
"Only this. Did Mario understand? Why not? Yes."
