Mancini: FA Cup success vital to City

Roberto Mancini claims Manchester City’s win in the FA Cup last season was vital for the club, and hopes it will be a springboard for further success.

City face Manchester United in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium, in a repeat fixture of last year’s semi-final at Wembley, in which the Blues finished victors against the 10-men of United.

Mancini believes their subsequent 1-0 win in the final against Stoke City was pivotal to the club’s mentality, as they look to win their first Premier League title this year.

“It was really important for the club,” Mancini said on Friday.

“When you build a new team you have to start to win very quickly.”

“If you get one cup, in that moment you can understand if you work hard and win the FA Cup, you can win the championship.”

The Italian boss believes United will be keen to bounce back following back-to-back Premier League defeats to Blackburn and Newcastle United, but suggests the outcome of Sunday’s game will not have a big impact on the title race.

“The FA Cup is important for us,” Mancini said. “We won it last year and want to go in the final again if it is possible.”

“It is a difficult game. It is a derby.”

“It is harder because they are angry after two defeats and they are usually very strong after a defeat.”

“But it is not important for the Premier League, other than maybe physiologically.”

Mancini also insisted he is not worried about Edin Dzeko’s current dry spell in front of goal, with the Bosnian striker failing to score since early November, over two months ago.

“I am happy with Edin,” he said. “He didn’t score against Liverpool (in our last match) but he was really strong.”

“He played and worked for the team. This is very important for me.”

“I am sure he will start to score very quickly.”

Yaya Toure and Kolo Toure will not be able to play in the fixture after being denied permission by the Ivory Coast to delay their link-up with the national squad ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Gareth Barry is also absent through suspension, whilst Mario Balotelli is out with an ankle injury.