Manchester City football administrator Brian Marwood has defended Roberto Mancini after the Italian claimed that the club lacks players.

Following the Citizens' 2-2 draw with Fulham on Sunday, the City boss said they lacked numbers in midfield, but Marwood claimed that this is not the point Mancini was trying to get across.

"I think what he was trying to say was that he had injuries to two key players in midfield in Nigel and James," explained Marwood.

"Owen is still working back to a level of fitness that everyone would be comfortable with.

"I think it probably was lost in translation."

City are currently second in the table with four wins from five games.