Roberto Mancini: Manchester City are aiming for third place in the Premier League

BPL, Blackpool and Manchester City, Roberto Mancini (Getty Images)

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Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini says his side are aiming higher than a fourth-placed finish this season now he has a full squad to choose from.

Mancini says that his team are looking to push for third spot now that some key players have returned to fitness after a tough schedule in recent months.

“We don’t want to finish fourth. We want to finish third.

“For two months we played every three days with 14 players,” Mancini told reporters.

“That is very hard for every team, not just us.”

The former Inter manager has tipped his goalkeeper, current England No.1 Joe Hart, to become a great after an impressive season for club and country.

“Joe could become one of the top English keepers in history,” said Mancini.

“He is young and he is strong.

“Like everyone, he makes mistakes but that is normal when you are young. Maybe sometimes he worries too much when he has the ball.

“But he is getting better with every game.

“Also, you have to remember, this is the first year he played for a club who were competing for the title.

“Last season was the first time he played for a full year in the Premier League, with Birmingham on loan.

“He is already a fantastic keeper and he can still improve a lot.”