Mancini eyes long City stay

17 October 2011 11:18
Roberto Mancini believes Manchester City have become one of the best clubs in the world and wants to stay for many years to prove it.[LNB] City have made considerable progress since Mancini took charge almost two years ago, winning the FA Cup last season and launching a serious Barclays Premier League title bid this term.[LNB]Further success could make the former Inter Milan boss a target for other clubs across the continent, but he is keen to see his work at the Etihad Stadium earn greater reward.[LNB]On the eve of a Champions League clash with Villarreal, the 46-year-old, who succeeded Mark Hughes in December 2009, said: "I started to work here two years ago.[LNB]"I have worked hard to build a good team and I think I would like to stay here another three or four years because I think in this moment Manchester City is one of the best clubs in the world."[LNB]The FA Cup triumph was City's first trophy success for 35 years while this year's league start - topping the table with seven wins and a draw from eight games - is their best in any division since 1897.[LNB]Mancini also appears to have enhanced his position through his handling of the ongoing Carlos Tevez situation, which has earned him plaudits.[LNB]Yet despite speaking from a position of strength, Mancini says he has not begun negotiations over a new contract and insists it is not a priority.[LNB]Mancini said: "I would like to stay here for many years in the future but it is not important, my contract.[LNB]"After this year I have one more year and I don't have a problem with this.[LNB]"I haven't talked to the club but at the moment it is not important."[LNB]Mancini is well aware of the vulnerable nature of his profession.[LNB]City's clash with the Yellow Submarine is vital after collecting just one point from their opening two games in Group A of the competition.[LNB]Early disappointment in Europe could quickly cast a different light on the season and Mancini, speaking at his pre-match press conference, said: "I would like to stay here but in football every week it can change.[LNB]"If you lose two or three games, that can change all - but we are working well."[LNB]City need to kickstart their European campaign after their disappointing 2-0 loss to Bayern Munich three weeks ago, a game remembered for Tevez's alleged refusal to play as a substitute.[LNB]League games against Blackburn and Aston Villa have been won convincingly since, but the Tevez issue has cast a shadow over the club.[LNB]Tevez is the subject of disciplinary proceedings and is highly unlikely to be recalled tomorrow but Mancini did not want to discuss the situation today.[LNB]He said: "We need to think only about the team, the Champions League and the Premier League."[LNB]Sergio Aguero trained this morning and could return to the side after injury with Mario Balotelli, impressive in the 4-1 defeat of Villa on Saturday, suspended.[LNB]David Silva, Samir Nasri and Edin Dzeko, all substitutes at the weekend as Mancini juggled his resources, could also come back in.[LNB]Villarreal have lost both of their games in the competition and City want to maximise their back-to-back home and away matches against the Spaniards to get into contention at the top of the group.[LNB]Mancini said: "Villarreal are a good team.[LNB]"They are used to playing Champions League, they have done so many times in the past 10 years.[LNB]"It will be hard because they play football very well.[LNB]"But for us I don't think it is as important to play well or not well - it is important we win this game.[LNB]"I think if we win this game I think we can win also the group, we have a chance I think.[LNB]"After this we have another three games and I think with 10 points we can go into the second stage, but it is important to start to win tomorrow."[LNB]

Source: Team_Talk