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Vieira backs City's trophy hunt

Patrick Vieira sees himself as a guide to younger members of the Manchester City squad © PA Photos

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Patrick Vieira believes Manchester City have the chance to end 35 years without a trophy and taste double success this season - with the Premier League and FA Cup still very much up for grabs.

The veteran French midfielder believes that City - who face Notts County in the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday - have a great chance to win the world's oldest cup competition this season and end a silverware drought that extends back to 1976.

The Premier League, however, might prove a more difficult target for Roberto Mancini's men.

"The first trophy is the most important," Vieira told The Telegraph. "A few of the players have won trophies already, Carlos [Tevez], David Silva, myself, Yaya and Kolo Toure. But it's still a young squad, the manager [Mancini] has been here just a year and is short of time and there are so many new players.

"A few years ago the club were battling to stay in the Premier League and now we're talking about winning the title and the FA Cup. It's a good progression.

"But the Premier League will be really difficult. Manchester United are in a good place but if they lose their momentum, anything can happen. We believe there's still a chance but we have to be realistic."

Vieira, 34, is a senior figure within the City dressing room, and takes his responsibilities towards the younger squad members very seriously. One of those is Mario Balotelli, who has already garnered his share of headlines since his summer move from Inter Milan for a series of controversial statements.

"That's just the way Mario is. As a striker you need high self-belief," Vieira said. "Mario has that and it's a strength. When he's making a comment like that he's making a joke as well."

Vieira is trying to teach Balotelli - along with the club's other young players - to devote themselves to performing to their best on the pitch, and pursuing the rewards that will come from that.

"I try to make them [young players] understand that what is important is to play at the top level for 15 or 20 years," he said. "There is a big difference between a player like Ryan Giggs who has been at the top for 20 years than a player who signs his contract and plays for two or three years at the top.

"I try to explain that things will come if you work hard for it. You will get a better contract. You play well and the club will give it to you, that's normal. That's the way it was when I was at Arsenal. I would renew my contract every two years and the club would think that I deserved it. You get what you deserve in football."

Despite his advancing years and diminished playing time under Mancini, Vieira still believes he has a couple more seasons left in him at the highest level.

"I still want to play for the next two or three years," he said. "I'm not frustrated. I'm not stressed. I'm completely relaxed. My relationship with the club has been fantastic. Every time I play I want to show the manager I want to play more.

"I will play again next season, whether it's here or somewhere else."

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