For a player who is so self-aware – and who can be so self-critical – Eliaquim Mangala has faced some brutal analysis since he joined Manchester City.

It culminated in a recent comment from the former striker turned BBC pundit Chris Sutton who said of the France international’s defending that “you cannot give someone a brain”.

“I think everyone has the right to make a comment, that’s what football is all about,” Mangala says, having been asked about what was said. “But there is a line that you go up to. I think it’s fair to criticise people’s performances on the field but if you refer to stuff that’s not to do with on-field activity then maybe it’s a lack of respect. When a lack of respect is shown then it goes beyond the normal situation. That makes it different.”