Roberto Mancini warns Manchester City not to get complacent

Roberto Mancini – Manchester City (Getty Images)

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Roberto Mancini claims only complacency can ruin Manchester City’s season now.

Sunday’s 2-1 victory over West Ham at Eastlands saw City open up a seven point gap on Liverpool and Tottenham in the race for fourth place in the Premier League, and their participation in next season’s Champions League now looks all but assured.

City fans are also hopeful of a first top-level trophy in 35 years when their team take to the field at Wembley in the FA Cup final against Stoke later this month.

But Mancini was critical of his side’s failure to kill off their opponents at the weekend, and has warned his players they cannot afford to take their foot off the gas if they are to end the season on a high.

“Probably after these two goals we thought the game was finished, but it never is until the referee blows the final whistle,” the former Inter boss told reporters. “We can only relax after May 22, not before.

“We should try to get the maximum number of points that we can.

“I think after what we have done, we deserve to be in the Champions League, but we have another four games – it is not finished.

“We are not under pressure, but we know we have a big chance.”

Mancini has been criticised in some quarters for not showing more ambition to challenge Manchester United and Chelsea in one of the most open title races for many years, but the City manager believes a top four finish and a trophy would constitute a successful season for the club.

He added: “Our target at the start of the season was the Champions League and now, we are in a good way.

“We are in fourth position and have seven points over Tottenham and Liverpool – and we will play the FA Cup final against Stoke on May 14.”