Roberto Mancini faces a club close to his heart admitting it will take
another six months to shape Manchester City in his own image.
The Italian manager is aiming to get the better of Juventus in the their
glamour Europa League group match at Eastlands.
While pleased with the progress his side are making - they defeated
reigning champions Chelsea in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday -
he maintains there is a lot of work ahead.
Mancini said: "I think we can create a special team in six months. We
need time to improve day by day to change the mentality. We must start
winning consistently. That is important."
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Juventus are also a side in transition and Mancini has not ruled out the
possibility of returning home to coach them one day.
"Why not, football is like that, " he said.
"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.
"It will be a special match as it is the first time I am coaching an
English team against Juventus.
"Obviously I miss home, as anyone would, but I am happy here. This is
where I am living and working."
Mancini raised the stakes before the game by suggesting the Premier
League was stronger than Serie A.
He said: "Juve and City are both new teams. We both need time to
establish ourselves.
"I think the English championship is better than the Italian. They need
to bring some big players back. They are not there at the moment."
Veteran midfielder Patrick Vieira is hoping to claim a place in the team
after saying he was "frustrated" at his lack of game time.
Vieira, 34, arrived in January from Inter Milan following a season with
Juventus. He said: "It has been frustrating.
Like everyone else I want
to play more often and be more involved. I know how strong the team is,
especially in the midfield.
"I want to play more than one game a month. I will get my chance, I know
that because the season is really long. I want to show the manager he
can count on me.
"Every competition is really important because we all want to play. As
City have not won a trophy for years lifting one would be good for the
club."
Vieira believes City are becoming a team to fear.
He said: "We have beaten Liverpool and Chelsea who are seen to be part
of the big four. That just shows how strong we are. There is still a
long way to go but we believe in ourselves.
"We know how good we are. Now we have to win games week in, week out. We
have to show it on the pitch."
Defender Micah Richards could come into contention against Juventus
after a hamstring injury.
Shaun Wright-Phillips is doubtful with a knee problem while Wayne Bridge
and Aleksandar Kolarov remain absent.
Meanwhile Mancini expects Mario Balotelli to return to the squad at the
end of next month
Balotelli is sidelined with a knee injury and the striker said he would
be out for eight weeks.
However Mancini responded: "He is in Italy today (Wednesday) and his
knee is okay. I think he may be ready at the end of October, in four to
five weeks."
Source: DSG