By Steve Hewlett at Eastlands
3 Apr 2011 19:37:00
FA cup, Leicester City and Manchester City, Roberto Mancini (Getty Images)
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Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini was full of praise for Mario Balotelli‘s performance as his side cruised to a comfortable 5-0 win over Sunderland, but conceded that he doesn’t think his team can win the title.
Goals from Adam Johnson, Carlos Tevez, David Silva, Patrick Vieira and Yaya Toure saw City rise to third place, above Carlo Ancelotti’s Chelsea, but still ten points behind rivals Manchester United.
Although Balotelli failed to make the scoresheet – having notably been denied by a fingertip Mignolet save in the dying minutes when he free kick looked destine for the top corner – his manager praised a display which he hopes to see more of in the coming weeks.
“Mario Balotelli was perfect today,” Mancini told reporters.
“It wasn’t important he didn’t score today. He worked for the team, he ran all day, he was perfect. He must continue this.”
In a match which saw the Italian tactician abandoned his traditional 4-5-1 approach in favour of a 4-4-2 system, Manchester City appeared fluid and expansive in their play from the offset, and were two goals ahead within 15 minutes, and Mancini was delighted by the tempo displayed by his team.
“We started the game bright, I’m surprised and happy that we score five.” Mancini added.
“We had players back from injury so this makes a big difference, this weekend was important.”
Mancini was also quick to recognise the importance of today’s victory, as his side climbed above Chelsea into third place; a position which further cements their assault on claiming a Champions League spot for next season.
“I think it was important we win this game,” Mancini insisted. “We had chance to gain a position on Chelsea.”
“We are three points behind Arsenal and Chelsea are behind us so it was a good day.”
City face local rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup in two weeks, and with Sir Alex Ferguson watching in the stands today, Mancini knows how crucial the next few weeks are for their season but conceded that he doesn’t believe his side can win the title.
“I don’t think we can win the title,” he said.
“It’s important we continue this form for Liverpool in the league and the FA Cup against United. He Ferguson knows it’s only one game, but he knows us well, but we know them well to.
“I think we can continue this form, we lost five or six players. If we don’t have a problem with injuries to the defenders.”
