Former Argentina striker Diego Maradona has labelled Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini as a "spoilt brat".

Maradona is a close friend of unsettled City striker Carlos Tevez, who has not played for the club since refusing to play against Bayern Munich in September, and the outspoken Al Wasl boss has blamed the situation on Mancini.

"I know Mancini well, too well. That is why I believe 'Carlitos' (Carlos Tevez) in all of this. [Roberto Mancini] was a spoilt brat in Sampdoria and Inter, and he still is with City. Every person has their methods as a coach, but you still need to have some tact," Maradona told La Red.

Manchester City travel to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.