Mancini fighting for second

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini feels that his side are merely competing with Manchester United for second place in the Premier League.

The Italian has reiterated his belief that, barring a major dip in form, Chelsea are highly likely to end the season as champions for a second successive year.

Despite Chelsea’s defeat to Liverpool on Sunday, Carlo Ancelotti’s side still lead the league by two points from United, but City will go level with their huge rivals should they beat the Red Devils on Wednesday.

“I think Chelsea will win the Premier League as they are better than the other teams,” said Mancini ahead of their showdown at Eastlands.

“But all the other sides that are near them can try because the season is long and difficult. We must play a lot of games.

“Our target must be the Champions League. It is important we are near Chelsea and Manchester United in January and February.
Chance

“I think we can have a chance. We must take it game to game. For the moment we must only think of United.”

City were on a dire run prior to their 2-0 win at West Brom on Sunday, with defeats to Arsenal, Wolves and Lech Poznan in the Europa League prompting speculation over the future of Mancini.

But the former Inter boss felt that their win over the Baggies will have boosted their confidence, and are ready to take revenge after three last-gasp defeats to United last season.

“A victory before you play United is important for the players and for all of us,” added Mancini. “They know now we are a strong team. The situation has changed.

“We have respect for them, we have respect for Fergie (Sir Alex Ferguson) because he is the top manager in the world. But we are getting better. It will be a good game.

“In the last three of four derbies City have played at the same level as United but have lost late in the game. This season we are a different team.

“They are a strong team who are ready to play until the last second. They won against Wolves like that. They have a strong mentality because they have won a lot of trophies.”