By NEIL CUSTIS
The Manchester City boss came out fighting yesterday in the face of heavy criticism over his tactics during the 3-1 Champions League defeat against Ajax.
Richards questioned the policy of changing to three at the back late in the game.
But Mancini said: “Maybe next time we play this system Micah can stay on the bench and we will use another player until Micah knows the system well.
“If you are a top player it’s not important what system you use.
“If you don’t understand you’re not a top player and you can’t play for a top team.”
Mancini takes on Swansea at the Etihad today with a chance to leapfrog neighbours United and close the gap on Premier League leaders Chelsea to one point before the pair meet each other at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.
But the game comes against a backdrop of uncertainty with City now sitting bottom of their Champions League group with one point and facing elimination at the first stage for the second season running.
