The new Blues manager insists that he doesn’t want Robi to change the samba style that can play havoc with Premier League defences and will feature at the World Cup finals this summer.
But as City face a tough trip to Everton tonight, Mancini reminded the club record signing that he should be able to perform his South American magic in a hostile environment as well.
City’s boss said: “Robinho is a very good footballer - he plays for his national team, he played for Real Madrid. He is a player that I think can still improve, but he is a good player.
“I don’t want him to change his mentality too much. He is a Brazilian and they are technically very adept. But I think he can improve in some areas and be a very important player to the team.”
Former manager Mark Hughes often hid his frustration at the difference between Robinho’s performances at home and away. Mancini’s aim is to see consistent displays when he wears black.
He said: “The pitches are the same at home and away. Sometimes it is possible that your opponents are more aggressive when you are away from home ... but it is still the same game.”
Robinho’s season has suffered from the long lay-off for a stress fracture, and Mancini added: “He understands the work demands. It’s important that he stays fit and well.
“It’s impossible for a footballer to always play well. But if you’re not playing well, it’s important that you play for the team.”
Meanwhile, Mancini is tickled at the way in which his scarf has become the biggest City fashion item since bananas were first inflated. He smiled: “I think the fans will buy many scarves if we keep winning. It’s a good scarf.”
