• Premier League

Mancini moans about forthcoming fixture congestion

ESPN staff
December 26, 2011
Mario Balotelli could not find a way past West Brom © Getty Images
Enlarge

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini feels his players now face a test of nerve after Boxing Day's frustrating 0-0 draw at West Brom, and he believes his side's title prospects have not been helped by the Premier League fixture calendar.

City saw their two-point lead at the top of the Premier League wiped out as they were kept scoreless - for the first time this season - at The Hawthorns.

Mancini's men could now begin 2012 in second place as title rivals Manchester United are in action before City play at Sunderland on New Year's Day. The trip to the Stadium of Light comes at the start of a hectic month for City, with the first of three games against Liverpool coming two days later and an FA Cup tie with United also to follow.

Mancini said: ''I'm disappointed only because we play January 1 and January 3, and Liverpool play December 29 and the third against us. I'm not happy with this situation because two days in this moment is not correct.

''I don't know why this is - well maybe, it's for TV. To play twice in 48 hours will make a difference in this moment but we have good concentration and in January that is important.

''I think United will win the next game and it's more difficult for us against Sunderland away and then within 48 hours again. But I'm confident we can do a good job by the end. It's important to stay in with a chance of the title at the end.

''If you want to win the title, we have to try to play well against United. United have a strong team but we are strong enough to do this.''

City lacked their usual bite but were unlucky as Mario Balotelli hit the bar from distance and had a goal ruled out for offside. The Italian also had a free-kick deflected wide while David Silva side-footed a good chance over.

Mancini said: ''We will probably have another eight or nine games in the next 20 days like this. West Bromwich played with all their players around the ball and you have to find a solution if you don't score quickly in the first half.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices