Mancini wary of Anfield threat

[Mark (Blue Army)]

Roberto Mancini is refusing to rule Liverpool out of the race for the final Champions League spot despite the Anfield outfit's deep involvement in the Europa League.

Blues boss Mancini was prominent among the crowd that watched Rafa Benitez's team sweep aside Portuguese title favourites Benfica 4-1 on Thursday night to reach the semi-finals.

But he insists that Liverpool remain capable contenders in the late sprint for the vital fourth Premier League place that City fill as they tackle visitors Birmingham tomorrow.

Roberto smiled at the idea Liverpool's Europa bid might be a distraction: "Helpful to us? I hope so! They played a fantastic game on Thursday and I hope that they win the Europa League!

"But they are a strong team. They will still try hard for fourth place, that is normal. There are four teams still for the one place - ourselves, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Liverpool.

"It's six games for us and Tottenham and only five for Liverpool. But all our games are difficult, starting with Birmingham - in their last two games they drew with Arsenal and Liverpool.

"So we know they are a good team. It's
important that our fans will be at the
stadium to give us their great support,
because it really makes a difference to
the players"

Mancini also marvelled at Lionel Messi's spellbinding four-goal performance for Barcelona in midweek but is not surprised that Carlos Tevez's popularity is greater in Argentina.

He said: "They are two fantastic players. It is Argentina's good fortune to have Tevez and Messi for the World Cup! Argentina have a good chance of winning it with them.

"I think there are a lot of good strikers playing in the Premier League, but along with Wayne Rooney and Didier Drogba, carlo is one of the best."

mcfc.co.uk

[Blue Toy]

ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzz

[BlueMoonAwoken]

hopefully the fans will answer the call

We need the atmosphere of a derby for all our remaining home games, to push us on to the champions league.

[Beefymcfc]

I'll be there, does that help?

[Mark (Blue Army)]

I'll be there, does that help?

That's all that matters mate ;)

[Dazzacity]

They have an easy run, but against sides that are fighting to stay up. Playin sides like Burnley and Hull could prove a real battle. Lets hope so.