Experience key for Mancini

[Mark (Blue Army)]

Big-match experience will play its part in tonight’s showdown with Spurs, according to Roberto Mancini.

The overhaul of City’s squad over the last couple of years means that the Manager can draw on the experience of players with miles on the clock in big games in the club and international arenas.

With a place in the Champions League at stake, Mancini hopes that the pool at his disposal will have the edge over similarly matched-up opponents.

He says, “A lot of our players have experience of playing in big games like this, and that will be vital for us. They know that tonight is a big moment for them, the fans and everyone around the club, but I think they will have a positive approach to this game.

"Our mentality has to be right, we don’t
want to be nervous and try to play
well. Tottenham is a good team, so we
have to concentrate at 200% but be
calm and don’t let our nerves get in
the way."

A win for Spurs would seal their place in the top four, but a draw would also suit Harry Redknapp’s side with one game to go, however Mancini does not expect his opposite number to hold back tonight.

“I think they will come to win this game, I don’t think they will just settle to play for a draw. In Harry Redknapp they have a very experienced manager who knows football inside out, but we have a good team and we’re at home. The pitch is always the same, its 11 players against 11 players and we must win – simple as that. Even if we don’t play well, we need to win.

“Our supporters will have an important role as well, they were great on Saturday but we will need more from them tonight.”

mcfc.co.uk