Top four the priority for Mancini

City boss makes league admission

Last updated: 18th January 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Top four the priority for Mancini

Mancini: Focused on top four finish

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Roberto Mancini has conceded a top-four finish is more important for Manchester City this season than winning the Carling Cup.

City entertain neighbours Manchester United in the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final on Tuesday aiming to take a step closer to their first major final since 1981.

Mancini is keen to end City's trophy drought, but he admits finishing in the top four and securing a spot in next season's Champions League is his top target.

"We want to win the Carling or FA Cup, but we must finish in the top four," said Mancini. Is that the priority? "Yes."

However, Mancini was quick to add that a trophy could prove to be the catalyst for that top four berth.

"I am new in Manchester City, so the trophy is important to me. But the same is true for the players and the club because when you start to win trophies, you change your mentality," said the Italian.

"We want the Carling Cup. But it must only be the start."