|
|
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini anticipating tough game against Aston Villa despite fans' ongoing protests
The 47-year-old insists his team will learn from the mistakes that have been made this season as he looks forward to a 'difficult game' at Villa Park
Feb 11, 2012 5:08:00 PM
By John Stammers
Getty Images
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is hoping to take advantage of uncertainty at Aston Villa ahead of their Premier League clash on Sunday, but will not be tricked into complacency following supporters' protests about Alex McLeish.
The Villans are currently 13th in the league table and have a fairly poor home record, losing five games at Villa Park so far this season.
The Vital Villa fans' website have called for the crowd to show their true feelings and voice concern before the kick-off with Mancini's men, posting a statement claiming their current run of six wins in 24 games is relegation form earlier in the week.
However, the 47-year-old coach is refusing to let the situation at the Midlands club affect his game preparations, and believes the fans will always support their team once the match begins.
When asked if his side can benefit from the uncertainty, the Italian said: "We would hope to but I don't know this.
"It won't change our opinion, it will still be a difficult game.
"They lost their last game against Newcastle and so we will need to play a good game if we want to win against Aston Villa.
"When the game starts their supporters will support their team, always."
City's away form has not been impressive since the turn of the year. Indeed they have lost on their travels to Everton, Wigan and Sunderland in 2012 and Mancini urged his side to avoid making any mistakes against Villa.
He added: "I know what my job is but I am human. Sometimes I can make mistakes, like the referee, like the players.
"Everyone can make a mistake sometimes. It is important the players understand this and they put everything on the pitch.
"When you think that you have made some mistakes, after you prepare better.
"If you made some mistakes, I don't think you can do the same mistakes against Aston Villa."
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
The Villans are currently 13th in the league table and have a fairly poor home record, losing five games at Villa Park so far this season.
The Vital Villa fans' website have called for the crowd to show their true feelings and voice concern before the kick-off with Mancini's men, posting a statement claiming their current run of six wins in 24 games is relegation form earlier in the week.
However, the 47-year-old coach is refusing to let the situation at the Midlands club affect his game preparations, and believes the fans will always support their team once the match begins.
When asked if his side can benefit from the uncertainty, the Italian said: "We would hope to but I don't know this.
"It won't change our opinion, it will still be a difficult game.
"They lost their last game against Newcastle and so we will need to play a good game if we want to win against Aston Villa.
"When the game starts their supporters will support their team, always."
City's away form has not been impressive since the turn of the year. Indeed they have lost on their travels to Everton, Wigan and Sunderland in 2012 and Mancini urged his side to avoid making any mistakes against Villa.
He added: "I know what my job is but I am human. Sometimes I can make mistakes, like the referee, like the players.
"Everyone can make a mistake sometimes. It is important the players understand this and they put everything on the pitch.
"When you think that you have made some mistakes, after you prepare better.
"If you made some mistakes, I don't think you can do the same mistakes against Aston Villa."
How do you stay up to date with football when on the move? With http://m.goal.com – your best source for mobile coverage of the beautiful game.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Inside Goal.Com
-
Germany must drop their gutless Bayern stars
The Bavarians appeared to buckle under the pressure of Saturday's match against Chelsea. Now Goal.com investigates whether several in their ranks remain worthy to start for country
-
Cartoon: Too big for Portugal, Hulk eyes Chelsea
Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us his unique take on the football news of the day...
-
Top five Africans to win the Champions League
Goal.com looks back at five telling contributions from African players who helped their respective clubs to Champions League glory
-
Giovinco claims Serie A Goal of the Season
The 'Atomic Ant' takes the award for his wonderful dipping effort against the Robur, one of 15 goals he scored in a record-breaking 2011-12 campaign
-
All the players available for free in Spain
With the exception of Real Madrid and Barcelona, all of the clubs in the Primera Division will be releasing first-team footballers imminently. Goal.com takes a closer look
