Roberto Mancini says he would be happy if the Premier League finished now despite criticism he has received in recent weeks.
After a run of two defeats and one draw in the league, City are currently fourth, seven points behind leaders Chelsea, and the team were accused of a lack of ambition in the wake of Wednesday’s 0-0 draw with Manchester United.
With City’s owners desperate to secure a place in the Champions League next season, though, Mancini believes his side remain on course.
“If the Premier League finished tomorrow, I am happy,” he said. “Our target is to get to the Champions League, but the season is very long.
“It’s important to stay near the top until January and February, when the Champions League starts up again. When you get to January or February, the championship changes. Maybe Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal focus more on the Champions League, so it can be different.
“Our target this season is to qualify for the Champions League but during the season we can change that target.”
City have previously indicated that they will now curtail their spending but, amid reports the likes of Shaun Wright-Phillips, Roque Santa Cruz, Wayne Bridge and Shay Given will move on, Mancini has refused to rule out further new signings.
“Anything can happen in January,” he said. “If some players want to leave because they want to play somewhere else then it is different, but at the moment there are no problems.”
