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Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini believes he has been targeted by the English media because he is Italian.
Reports have been circulating for the past month that the former Inter Milan boss is close to the sack after several alleged bust-ups with members of his expensively-assembled squad.
The conjecture reached new levels after City's defeat at Wolves last weekend and that has forced Mancini, who is preparing for Thursday night's Europa League match against Lech Poznan, to hit back.
City currently sit fourth in the Premier League and Mancini therefore thinks he deserves respect.
He is quoted as saying by Il Secolo XIX: "The tabloids rage on us because City are headed by an Italian. I'm sorry to say, but the English are nationalists in football.
Lies
"City are fourth in the standings, and were in second place. The club have asked me to qualify for next season's Champions League and we are going well for that."
He added: "Why should I worry about being fired? This does not exist. The team are against me? Lies, all rubbish.
"There were hard discussions with some players, but the team follows me and the results are arriving."
Meanwhile, Mancini has ruled out a move for unsettled Sampdoria forward Antonio Cassano, who recently apologised to club president Riccardo Garrone after reports of an altercation.
Mancini said: "Sign Cassano for City? I have seven attackers. Thanks, but in that role we are covered."