Spanish midfielder believes his team-mates are now more confident going into key clashes and insists Roberto Mancini won the battle of the bosses ahead of Monday's derby
Manchester City midfielder David Silva insists his team are ready to win the Premier League after overcoming a psychological barrier by beating rivals Manchester United home and away this season.The last few weeks have seen City claw back an eight-point deficit at the top of the table and it is only the second time in 32 years that they have completed a league double over United.
And the Spanish playmaker insists Monday’s 1-0 win at the Etihad Stadium was a significant landmark.
“We are ready to win the title,” he told The Independent. “We don’t concentrate on United. We don’t need to think about United. We’ve passed that mental stage.
“Don’t get me wrong – United are a great team, a fantastic team. They’ve been winning titles for a long time. But we beat them there [at Old Trafford] and we beat them here [at the Etihad Stadium].
“We are here to make things difficult. We believe we can win the title.”
Silva, who has played a pivotal role in City’s recent form, also suggested that his manager, Roberto Mancini, had won the battle of the mind games.
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He continued: “He has certainly taken the pressure off the players, which always helps.
“I’m not sure how Mancini does or doesn’t look upon [Sir Alex] Ferguson. I’m sure he sees him as a great, influential manager. Of course, Ferguson is both those things. But Mancini does not transfer that fact to us.”
City are now in pole position to win their first Premier League title, sitting at the top of the table, ahead of their rivals Manchester United on goal difference with just two games to play.
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