Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini fears Manchester United's superior team spirit could be the difference in the title race.
But we will win the title next year, says City boss
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini fears Manchester United's superior team spirit could be the difference in the title race.
City are three points behind Sir Alex Ferguson's United side as the rivals prepare for a crucial derby at the Etihad Stadium on Monday.
A win for Mancini's men would send them top of the league on goal difference but the Italian still claims the champions' greater experience could count against his club during the run-in.
"For the last 20 years Manchester United have been winning constantly," the 47-year-old told
France Football.
"Even when they are coming from behind in the table, they know deep inside they can come back. They have this internal force born from all the success they have had.
"Playing often against United has helped our progress and allowed us to learn. We've moved closer to them but they are still better than us.
"They have more experience and that team spirit that we are in the process of building here.
"I don't know who will win. It depends on United."
Mancini's latest comments could be viewed as mind games as he attempts to relieve the pressure on his players.
He had previously declared the title race over only to see United drop points in stunning fashion - losing at lowly Wigan before surrendering a 4-2 lead at home to Everton.
Advantage United
But the City boss insists the draw against Everton has not changed anything and claims United still have a big advantage.
He added: "We didn't watch United's match with Everton because we were preparing for our match with Wolves.
"I hadn't asked to be kept informed on what the score was, so I didn't see Steven Pienaar's goal that made it 4-4 live. In any case, that goal doesn't change anything.
"We are always behind United and we are obliged to win on Monday, as United still have a big advantage and an easier run-in.
"They will play Swansea and Sunderland - who no longer have anything to lose or to gain - and we are facing Newcastle, who are doing very well, and QPR, who are playing for survival.
"The match against United could end up not deciding anything."
Even if City do miss out this year, Mancini believes the club can be proud of their efforts and insists they will lift the title next year.
"We never gave up and are still fighting. Against Sunderland, for example, we were losing 3-1 before coming back to 3-3 in the last five minutes.
"It's useless to say now what this title would mean to me. But it's certain that for me, an Italian manager, to win this title would bring enormous pride. A few weeks ago we were eight points behind.
"If you have such a disadvantage it could mean you give up the chase but it was not the case with us and that's important. It shows that, beyond our technical qualities, the team has values.
"We can be proud of the work we've done. It's not 10 years City have been fighting for the title, just two.
"In 2010, we finished fifth and, the following season, we finished third with the same number of points as Chelsea in second.
"This year we are second and still on course for the title with three games left. We are progressing.
"We've played really well and were top of the league for 28 matches. If we don't win the title this season, we will win the next one and have a lot of success in the years to come."
Friends
Although Mancini claims this is not the most important game of his career, around 60 of his friends are flying in to see the game.
He said: "It's not the most important game of my life but yes, the match against United is hugely important.
"City have been waiting for a match like this since 1968 but I repeat, United have an enormous advantage.
"I don't know if my heart is beating faster but I see that all the people in Manchester are waiting for the derby. It's good for the city and creates the same fascination as Barcelona-Real Madrid.
"About 60 of my friends will travel from Italy to be at the game. I don't think my parents will come but they will be watching on TV. They are happy and proud of me like any parent would be of their child."
Mancini also admits there are two United players he would love to have among the City ranks - Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs.
He added: "If I could take one United player it would be Rooney, who is a champion. If he could play another five years I would also take Ryan Giggs. He still runs like a young boy."
