Mancini impressed by Tevez

The Argentinian's future has again been the subject of speculation but Mancini appears to have no problem with the prospect of the 28-year-old staying.

City's difficulties with Tevez last season were extensively documented but the forward played a key role in the club's Premier League title success after returning from a self-imposed exile.

Mancini told City TV: "After January last year the problems with Carlos were finished.

"He came back to Manchester and his behaviour was good. He played a lot of games and scored important goals that helped us win the title.

"Now he has started the pre-season training very well."

There have also been reports suggesting that other members of City's strikeforce of Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli could move on.

But Mancini, who has been linked with a move for Arsenal's Robin van Persie, said: "I think such speculation is normal. We have four top strikers and all the other teams in Europe would like strikers like them."

Mancini was recently rewarded for his success in guiding City to its first title win in 44 years with a new five-year contract.

The Italian, who succeeded Mark Hughes in December 2009, is now committed to the Etihad Stadium until 2017.

The 47-year-old said: "We did a good job for the last two years and I hope we can do a better one in the next five.

"But we cannot rest or start thinking that because we won the title that we are the best.

"It is more difficult to win the title when you are defending champions.

"We start again as if from nothing - we must forget that we won the title. Every team will want to beat us and we must work harder than ever."