Source: Man_City
Mancini backs City for trophy and Champions League
| Submit Comments| Comments (42)| Printable Version1/1Play SlideshowClose MapRoberto ManciniRoberto Mancini is convinced he will have a Champions League place and a trophy at the end of the season to prove he has changed Manchester City's fortunes for the better. City head to Fulham on Sunday and a first encounter with Mark Hughes since the Welshman was dismissed in acrimonious circumstances by the Blues' cash-rich Abu Dhabi-based owners in December last year. For Mancini it promises to be an ordeal, not least because the statistics surrounding his own tenure are open to criticism. The Italian has gleaned exactly the same number of points from the first 13 games of this campaign that Hughes managed in the last, and the Blues have also lost three times, compared to only once at this point 12 months ago. In fairness to Mancini, there is a significant difference in that the Blues have established themselves in the top four, something they failed to do under Hughes. "We are in fourth position, three points behind United but we must check at the end of the season," said Mancini. "At the end of the season I think we will get into the Champions League and probably we will win something. This is my opinion because I believe we have improved a lot." Others may argue otherwise. Certainly Hughes felt his side would have achieved their objectives if they had been given a chance last term. Owner Sheikh Mansour and chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak had other ideas, which means Hughes will be fully motivated this weekend, even if Mancini is eager the contest should not become a personal battle. "I don't know if Mark Hughes has a point to prove but Sunday is Fulham against Manchester City, not Mancini against Hughes," he said. "Maybe it means more, I don't know. But I am sure they always try to win, whether they play against Manchester City or Newcastle, who they played last Saturday." Are City better now than they were under Hughes? Have your say.| Submit Comments| Comments (42)| Printable VersionAdd A CommentEnter your comments:Sending
