Mancini writes off Man City’s Champions League campaign
Roberto Mancini has admitted that his Manchester City side’s Champions League campaign lies in tatters as he prepares for the visit of Ajax for the Premier League champions’ fourth match of the group stage.
Despite winning the Premier League last season and the quality of players at Mancini’s disposal, City have struggled in Europe so far this season, taking only one point from three games against albeit tough opposition in Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Ajax, the three champions of Spain, Germany and the Netherlands respectively.
However, the Daily Telegraph has Mancini admitting his side’s failure in the Champions League for a second consecutive season.
“We are not ready to win the Champions League,” said the Italian. “If we said this [that lifting the trophy was possible] we are not honest. I think we are a good team. But we are not ready like other teams.”
Mancini was reacting after City could only manage a 0-0 draw against West Ham at Upton Park on Saturday to leave them two points behind league leaders Manchester United, though the defending champions remain unbeaten in the league so far this season.
“Because we are the champions, it is normal for teams to give more than 100%,” he continued. “For this reason, to win the [Premier League] the second time is harder. Because the other team now know us very well, teams defend better. Today they defend very well.”
See what the expert tipsters at OLBG are tipping on West Brom v Southampton
Related Articles
|