Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini, denied reports that he argued with defender Nigel de Jong.

“Nigel had a lot of problems when we started the second half of the season, due to the two-month break caused by injury,” said Mancini.

De Jong appeared when Manchester City beat Sunderland, and was pulled out in the second half. It was De Jong’s first appearance since November 2011.

The Dutchman was totally absent during August and September due to injury. Mancini did not include him in main squad, although he would still be part of his strategy in the future.

When De Jong recovered, according to Mancini, Manchester City plays with a different systems. Mancini played two strikers, two-winger, and there are only two players in midfield.

“For this reason, I did not play Nigel De Jong in many games,” said Mancini.

“But he’s still a key player for us. There is no change, although he is able to play again,” he continued.

According to Mancini, it is natural that players feel frustrated if they do not play. He also confirmed that he will play De Jong in the next few games, because Manchester City have played five games in 16 days.