Manchester City FC

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• Manager:Roberto Mancini

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Mancini targets cup success

03 Jan 2010 - 10:47:07

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Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has conceded the cup competitions will be vital to the success of his managerial reign at Eastlands.

The Italian coach saw his side edge out Middlesbrough 1-0 in their third round encounter on Saturday before identifying knockout football as a key to his tenure.

Mancini replaced Mark Hughes in the hot-seat last month and has led City to three wins from his first three games at the helm.

His next challenge is a two-legged Carling Cup semi-final showdown with city rivals Manchester United next week.

"I am very happy with the win, for the players and the supporters," said Mancini after Benjani Mwaruwari's first-half winner at the Riverside Stadium.

"It is an important competition, Middlesbrough played well and after we scored, we played well.

"I like cup football and I want to do well in the FA Cup as well as the Carling Cup.

"I was pleased with the performance from the team. I enjoyed it but most of all I want to congratulate our supporters for making the game thorough the bad weather and then giving us such great support.

"Seeing them so happy made the win even better."

Meanwhile, Mancini expects Robinho to be fit for the first leg of their semi-final against United after leaving the Brazilian out of the squad to face Boro with a minor groin problem.

He explained: "Robinho has a small problem with his groin but I think he will be okay for midweek. I hope so."