Mancini - City will come good
January 12, 2012 10:13:34 UK
Roberto Mancini insists his City side can still make the Carling Cup final despite their 1-0 home loss to Liverpool in the first leg of the semi-final.
Mario Balotelli picked up an ankle injury against Liverpool.The Manchester City boss admits it will be difficult but believes his team are capable of getting a win at Anfield in the second leg on 25th January. They are now 51.00 to win the Carling Cup while Liverpool are at 1.11. Crystal Palace, who hold a 1-0 advantage over Cardiff, are at 1213.00.
Mancini's side were second best at the Etihad on Wednesday evening and had Joe Hart to thank for keeping the score down, but the England keeper had no chance against Steven Gerrard's well-struck penalty. City were without the banned Vincent Kompany and the injured David Silva, while Mario Balotelli was forced off with an ankle injury, and they were unable to seriously penetrate a well-organised Liverpool defence.
We have to continue to work and continue to believe in ourselves.
Roberto Mancini
The loss came just days after City were dumped out of the FA Cup by fierce rivals Manchester United, and they have now recorded just one win in their last five games. However, they remain three points clear at the top of the Premier League and Mancini insist they will come through this testing period.
"This moment is very difficult, but it is important that we stay very confident. This moment is not a good moment. We have to continue to work and continue to believe in ourselves," said the Italian.
"We did well until three or four days ago, now we have lost two important games.
"We can win away against Liverpool. It will be difficult, but we will try. It is only one goal."
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