Roberto Mancini believes Blackpool can not only stay up this season, but do better than just survive their first campaign in the Premier League.
The City boss thinks the Seasiders have been rewarded for playing good football and sticking by their beliefs, despite a couple of drubbings along the way.
One thing he will not allow his players to do is underestimate Ian Holloway’s men.
“I think it will be tough game and if we go there thinking it will be easy, it will be even more difficult,” said Mancini.
“Blackpool have won away at Newcastle, Wigan and Liverpool and already have ten points. They play very good football and they always play to win.
“They will do the same against us and won’t just try and defend because it isn’t in their nature. They have a good forward line and wingers and I think it will be a tough match.”
Though the City and Blackpool bosses may have been worlds apart just a couple of years ago with Roberto at Inter Milan and Ollie at Leicester, but on Sunday both men will be on a level playing field.
“I respect Ian Holloway because he wants to always try and play good football and I think if they continue the way they have started, they have a great chance of having a really good season,” said Mancini.
"I’ve never met Ian, but I know of him
and think he is a very good coach. He
did very well to get Blackpool
promoted last season and he has
continued that good work in the
Premier League"
“He gets the very best out of his squad – something a number of managers do in England – and has a good relationship with his players and he always seems to get one hundred percent out of them.
“We are on a good run but we have to forget about the past results. The game against Blackpool is our only focus at the moment and if we want to win I think we’ll need to be at our best.
“I think it will be a good game to watch and if we are at our best, hopefully we will return home with three points.”
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