Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini says that he does not feel under any pressure despite as his side face rivals Manchester United in tonight’s Carling Cup semi-final second leg at Old Trafford.
City can book a first Wembley cup final appearance since 1981 and the newly-appointed boss says his side must avoid mistakes if they are to end their trophy drought.
”I don’t feel pressure,” he said. ”I played football for 20 years and I managed at other clubs. I hope it is possible that in the next year we can be among the best five or six clubs in the world. But to achieve this we must work. We cannot make mistakes. And if I want to change a tactical situation during a game it is important I have a clear head.
”We must change the history of this club. We want to change the history. The players are passionate about it. But we must start somewhere and it is important to get to that first final. We have two opportunities. After this one we have another in the FA Cup. But this one is big chance to get to Wembley because it is a semi-final.”
Mancini has appealed for calmness after the controversy of the first leg, which involved a row between Carlos Tevez and Gary Neville.
“It’s important that we play calmly,” said Mancini. “It’s an important game but it’s only a football match. We want to win at Old Trafford and it’s possible; we have a chance. But we must play quiet and we must concentrate because if you do that you play better. We must defend well but we must also attack.”
Mancini also discussed the Tevez and Neville incident, claiming: “I think they are good friends. They played together for two years. After a game sometimes these things can happen.”
