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Mancini: City can rival Barca, Real Madrid

Comment: 0 November 21st, 2011 by: admin

MANCHESTER City manager Roberto Mancini swore that his squad could stand toe to toe with some of Europe’s biggest teams like giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Currently enjoying the top spot in the Premier League, City boast of an EPL record of 7 straight wins; this streak comes after a draw that followed an earlier 7-win series.  This sees City with a near-perfect 15-game undefeated streak.

Overall City have 9 straight victories following a defeat that otherwise would have given them 18 unbeaten matches.

Their latest victory came against Newcastle United and ended the visiting team’s own Premier League lossless streak that lasted 14 games.

As of this point in the current season, City’s biggest win remains to be their magnificent 6-1 road win fierce rivals and former EPL rulers Manchester United, who now stand at second place.

‘We started the season very well and this confidence is important for the team,’ said Mancini.

He added that with their current performance, City could be seen as worthy rivals to the European football powerhouses.

‘I don’t think we are better than Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, but probably we are at the same level,’ he mused.

City stand undefeated in the League this season, but according to Mancini the club are not under intense pressure, and that eventually they will experience a defeat.

‘We know the season is long and probably we will arrive at a moment when we lose,’ he said.

‘Every three days we have a match at the moment and December and January is going to be a crucial time.  Winning then will be really important.

‘I hope we can continue like this,’ Mancini told reporters.  ‘I’m happy for the players, we’ve been playing well because of them and, at the moment, we have improved a lot.

‘As players, as a team, we are very strong now but the season is long and there will be difficult moments ahead.  For this reason, it’s important we know we can score goals and win games in a row.’

In the Premier League, City are next set to face Liverpool at Anfield, before hosting Norwich City.

They will also face Arsenal for a Carling Cup quarter-final match, and face Arsenal and Chelsea for the domestic league.

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