Source: Daily_Mail
Joleon Lescott relishing the chance to ruin records at Aris Salonika
Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott is determined to end a proud unbeaten record in the Europa League. [LNB]And he claims his side are not damaged by the derby defeat at the hands of Manchester United after Wayne Rooney scoring a superb winner. [LNB]City are back in action against Aris Salonika, a club with a 24-match unbeaten run in European competition stretching back over 40 years at their Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium. [LNB] Euro vision: Lescott and Mancini talk to the media before facing Aris Salonika[LNB]Ahead of this first-leg match in the round of 32, Lescott said: 'I am aware of their record and it will not be easy. But we are confident we can beat anyone. [LNB]'We have to get United out of our system and focus on this match. It helps we have a game so soon, so let's try to get back to winning ways. [LNB]'We don't feel the Premier League title has gone but is will be much harder.'[LNB] Lescott found himself in Rooney's slipstream as the England striker fired the winner. [LNB]He said: 'I spoke with Nemanja Vidic after the game and while we were disappointed, I do not think we could have done anything about it. [LNB]'I don't think Wayne will be able to do that again so soon. It was one of those goals by special players. They do big things and score big goals at the right time.'[LNB] Manager Roberto Mancini is convinced his side will suffer no lasting effects from the derby defeat. [LNB] Fortress: City will have their work cut out at the Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium[LNB]'Do I think we are still mentally strong? I do not think that will be a problem,' said the Italian coach. [LNB]'We played very well against United and the defeat was hard to take. But now we have another important game to focus on. [LNB]'We have three days to prepare for this game and we know it will be very difficult. Aris are a good team with good players and have already beaten Atletico Madrid. [LNB]'But this is an important time for us and need to start a winning run. If we play like we did against United we can win a lot of games.'[LNB] James Milner has been ruled out with a hamstring injury while Nigel de Jong remains sidelined with an ankle problem. [LNB]Shaun Wright-Phillips is expected to start after impressing Mancini when he came on in the second half on Saturday. [LNB]Striker Mario Balotelli and midfielder Michael Johnson have both travelled but look certain to have only a watching brief as City attempt to get a positive result ahead of the second leg next week. [LNB] Man City's millions meant nothing to Ibrahimovic as ace snubbed ManciniMan Utd 2 Man City 1: Mancini - we'll match United despite Rooney's heroicsMancini out to elbow Greece as City boss targets the Europa LeagueWatch all the Premier League goals every week on our brilliant video playerAll the latest Manchester City news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Joleon Lescott, Nemanja Vidic, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Wayne Rooney, James Milner, Roberto Mancini, Mario Balotelli Places: United Kingdom
