Source: Team_Talk
Mancini: We're fighting for second
Roberto Mancini accepts that his Manchester City team are scrapping with Manchester United for second place in the Premier League.[LNB] Ahead of the derby at Eastlands on Wednesday night, the Italian boss has reiterated that Chelsea will retain the title.[LNB]Mancini sees no reason to change that view even though the current holders go into their home match with Fulham on the back of a defeat by Liverpool.[LNB]Successive victories for City - they overcame West Brom on Sunday - would see them on the same points tally as United.[LNB]Mancini said: "I think Chelsea will win the Premier League as they are better than the other teams.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"Our target must be the Champions League. It is important we are near Chelsea and Manchester United in January and February.[LNB]"I think we can have a chance. We must take it game to game. For the moment we must only think of United."[LNB]City ended a run of three straight defeats at the weekend and according to Mancini that win has increased the mood of confidence in the camp.[LNB]United held the upper hand last season with back-to-back victories in the league thanks to late goals from Michael Owen in the first game and then Paul Scholes in the second.[LNB]City were left cursing their luck in the Carling Cup semi-final as well after a 2-1 first leg victory.[LNB]United, however, secured their passage to Wembley thanks to a stoppage time winner from Wayne Rooney in the return.[LNB]Mancini hopes City have learned a lesson from those three heartbreaking results, especially as United beat Wolves at the weekend with almost the last kick of the game.[LNB]He said: "A victory before you play United is important for the players and for all of us. They know now we are a strong team. The situation has changed.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"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."[LNB]Mancini could be short of attacking options as Mario Balotelli is suspended after being sent off at The Hawthorns following a brace while Emmanuel Adebayor has a calf problem.[LNB]It could mean a return for Jo alongside influential captain Carlos Tevez, who returned to the team at the weekend.[LNB]David Silva had a hand in both Balotelli's goals and believes he has now come to terms with the demands of England's top flight.[LNB]"When I left Spain everything was different - the weather, the people and the football," the former Valencia forward told the club's official website.[LNB]"I have adapted quickly and I feel at home and I think it's now showing through in my football.[LNB]"Things couldn't be going better and the supporters have been fantastic with me.[LNB]"If I can repay them by helping us beat United and then win some trophies, I'll be very happy."
