Source: Team_Talk
Mancini expects to advance
Roberto Mancini is "convinced" Manchester City will progress to the last 16 of the Champions League despite their stuttering start in Group A.[LNB] After drawing their curtain-raiser at home to Napoli 1-1, City suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich in Germany last time out. [LNB]City now sit third in the pool and five points adrift of Bayern, who also won their opener against Villarreal. [LNB]But Mancini is adamant they can force their way back into contention when their campaign resumes next week. [LNB]"I am still convinced that we will qualify," Mancini told Il Domani dello Sport. "We've only played two games and four remain. [LNB]"I think nine points would be enough to qualify."[LNB]He added: "Villarreal have lost their way, they're almost out. Napoli are a strong, well-organised team. [LNB]"Bayern Munich are like a steamroller at the moment, crushing everyone. But in Germany, when the score was 0-0, we had two penalty claims turned down."[LNB]Mancini's side take on Villarreal at the Ethiad Stadium next Tuesday, while Napoli and Bayern go head-to-head in Italy. [LNB]The City boss is hoping for a draw from the encounter in Naples, adding: "It will be very important and for us a draw would be best. [LNB]"It would be nice for us and Napoli to go forward in the Champions League together."[LNB]Mancini has backed temperamental striker Mario Balotelli to play a key role in City's European campaign, despite his uneven start to life in Manchester since arriving last summer. [LNB]"He's going strong and I am convinced that this time it will last," added the manager. "He will be our weapon in the Champions League."[LNB]Asked about City's start in the Premier League, Mancini added: "Well, we are first in the Premier League with United. [LNB]"We are a real team, we lack only experience. I'm happy."[LNB]City have been linked with moves for Napoli forwards Ezequiel Lavezzi and Marek Hamsik but Mancini admits he would have no place for them in his star-studded attack. [LNB]"(Lavezzi) is a great player and devastating in his every move. But I would not know where to put him at City," added the former Inter Milan boss. [LNB]"The same goes for Hamsik, who I first admired while in Italy. I wanted to take him to Inter when he played for Brescia."
