Manchester City Football Club News

• Nickname:Sky Blues
• Founded:1887
• Manager:Roberto Mancini

• Ground:City of Manchester Stadium
• Capacity:48,000

Mancini: City must improve

27 Dec 2009 - 10:46:10

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New Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini was delighted to see his tenure begin with a hard-fought 2-0 victory at home to Stoke City.

Goals from Martin Petrov and Carlos Tevez gave Mancini a winning start, even if the former Internazionale tactician felt that his side had been pushed all the way by the visitors.

The Italian told his club's official website: "I am very happy. I'm very happy with this match because we won a hard match.

"We have worked hard these last few days and this was the reward for the team and the supporters.

"There were people playing in positions that are perhaps not their normal ones but everyone did well, including Robinho who has not had a lot of football after his injury.

"I thought we were better in the first half than the second when we got a little tired.

"I said that the players today were fantastic and in a very tough situation we always worked. I think we must improve, but today I'm very happy for the players."

Of his welcome to Eastlands following the controversial sacking of Mark Hughes, Mancini added: "I must thank the fans for the welcome they gave me and the way they backed the side throughout the match.

"They are a very important part of what we are trying to do and I was delighted that they got behind us so well and with such enthusiasm."