Roberto Mancini – Tiredness Told

Sunday’s setback at Stamford Bridge saw City slip below their weekend opponents, into fourth spot in the Premier League standings.

A disappointing result in the capital also came on the back of Thursday’s Europa League exit to Dynamo Kiev.

Mancini believes that game took its toll on his players, with there nothing left in the tank as they battled in vain to keep Chelsea at bay.

“I thought we played a good game, when you think that two days ago we played a game against Kiev,” he told Sky Sports.

“We played poorly in the last 20-25 minutes, we were so tired, but we were ready to make changes when we conceded a goal.”

City’s efforts were dealt a devastating blow prior to kick-off when talismanic skipper Carlos Tevez failed a fitness test.
Firepower

Mancini’s men posed little threat without their Argentine leader, but the Italian tactician insists he has the necessary firepower at his disposal to remain competitive.

He added: “Carlos is a good player, but so is Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli.

“I think for 70 minutes it was normal that Chelsea have more of the ball. We didn’t concede anything up until that moment. Then we conceded the goal and everything changed.”

City now face a scrap to cling on to their top-four standing, with Tottenham only four points back with a game in hand.

On what his side need to do during the run-in, Mancini said: “I think that after yesterday’s results, today was an important game for us. If we had won this game or got a draw, that would have been fantastic.

“Now, nothing has changed at this moment. We have eight games until the end and it is important for us to recover all of our players. We don’t have the Europa League anymore, so maybe we can do well in the last eight games.”