Soccer:Manchester City chief executive Garry Cook has admitted the club agreed a deal with Roberto Mancini the day before Mark Hughes was sacked. Italian Mancini was unveiled by the Eastlands outfit less than 48 hours after Hughes' dismissal following the 4-3 win over Sunderland.

Cook and the City hierarchy have come in for criticism but the club chief executive insists talk of a player rebellion at Eastlands is false.

"The decision to seriously look at other managerial options was taken just three weeks ago following the Hull City game (November 28th)," Cook said.

"I think it is important to know that Roberto was only offered the job after the Spurs game (December 16th).

"We negotiated on Thursday, finalised an agreement on Friday and he was not in the stadium on Saturday as was falsely reported."

Cook said: "The intention was to tell Mark immediately after the game on Saturday. That would give Roberto and his team a full week to prepare for the next game.

"Regrettably, and despite our best efforts, rumours of discussions with Roberto Mancini became public before the game.

"Once Mark was informed, I informed his coaching staff and the players were then informed. That is why Kolo Toure and Shay Given were asked to attend a meeting after the game."

Cook insists the players did not react badly to Hughes' sacking despite reports to the contrary.

"There was no player rebellion, the playing and training staff are going about their business as usual, most professionally led by Roberto and Brian Kidd."