Source: Daily_Mail
Patrick Vieira targets Juventus to prove he's worth place at Manchester City
[LNB]Veteran midfielder Patrick Vieira intends to push himself to the limit in a bid to win a regular place in the Manchester City side.[LNB]Vieira, 34, could return to the team against Juventus in the Europa League tonight at Eastlands after being an unused substitute in the win over Chelsea at the weekend.[LNB]A World Cup winner with France in 1998, he has been left frustrated at his lack of game-time after arriving from Inter Milan in January.[LNB] Four into three: There are three central midfield spots at Eastlands but Patrick Vieira, left, is behind Nigel De Jong, Gareth Barry and Yaya Toure [LNB]He said: 'I have been happy with my form since start of season. [LNB]'It is difficult when you play one game every month. I need to work harder than everyone else to show the manager can count on me.[LNB]'I just want to enjoy myself. I am involved in a fantastic challenge with this club and really want to be part of it.'[LNB]Juventus are in a period of transition like City and both teams arefavourites to progress from the group ahead of Lech Poznan andStrasbourg.[LNB]Old club: Patrick Vieira spent a season at Juventus [LNB]Vieira, who had a season with the Turin club, expects City to edge out their Italian rivals.[LNB]'I think they are going through a difficult period. Maybe it is not the best Juventus side in the last few years but they are still a really competitive team.[LNB]'It will be difficult for us to find the space to play but we have players who can give them problems as well.[LNB]'Our strength is the squad. We can be competitive in every competition we are involved in.'[LNB]Manager Roberto Mancini is aware it could be a pivotal week for the club following the victory over Chelsea with Newcastle to come on Sunday.[LNB]He said: 'We are working to improve, like Juve. We need time. We have the same targets.[LNB]'It is an important week. It is important after beating Chelsea we try to beat Juve tomorrow and then deal with Newcastle. They will be two difficult games.'[LNB]Mancini has not ruled out the possibility of returning home to Italy to coach Juventus one day.[LNB]'Why not, football is like that, ' he said. [LNB]'I have never been an enemy of Juventus. I was a huge fan for years when I was a child so I have great respect for the club and the players.[LNB]'It will be a special match as it is the first time I am coaching an English team against Juventus.[LNB]'Obviously I miss home as anyone would but I am happy here. This is where I am living and working.'[LNB]VIDEO: Vieira on Juventus test... Italian job! Adebayor rises to the City challenge after impressing ManciniCharles Sale: Manchester United and neighbours City in blazing rowMancini says clash against boyhood idols Juventus is nothing specialMANCHESTER CITY FC
