Roberto Mancini has leapt to the defence of Stefan Savic after the 21-year-old's performances were criticised.

Manchester City boss forced to protect defender from critics

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has leapt to the defence of Stefan Savic after the 21-year-old's performances were criticised. The Montenegro international has been filling in at centre-back in the absence of skipper Vincent Kompany, who has missed the last four games after being dismissed against Manchester United in the FA Cup. The Belgian is likely to replace the youngster, who has made a series of high-profile errors, for the trip to Everton but Mancini is still giving Savic his full support. "Stefan is a young player and when you are young, you can be in trouble for nothing," said Mancini. "Stefan should be quiet. He is a good player but he needs to improve."