Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is hoping that his club’s triumph in the FA Cup last season will lead to more and more success.
Speaking of the FA Cup, City will face none other than Manchester United in the third-round of the competition on Sunday at Etihad Stadium.
The two Manchester outfits met in the semi-finals of the competition last season, with City recording a historic victory over their bitter rivals.
City went on to defeat an over-matched Stoke City in the final at Wembley, which gave United’s noisy neighbours their first trophy in 35 years.
“It was really important for the club,” said Mancini.
“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.”
Despite the fact that Sunday’s Manchester derby is between the English Premier League’s top two clubs, Mancini has downplayed the impact that the match may have on the title race.
“The FA Cup is important for us,” Mancini added.
“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.”
Edin Dzeko, who got off to a terrific start in 2011-12, has not scored since early November, but Mancini does not seem to be worried.
“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.”
Let’s be perfectly honest, Edin Dzeko has been quite fantastic this season, especially when you compare the Bosnian to Fernando Torres and Andy Carroll, who were also bought last season.
Mancini may not be losing any sleep over Edin Dzeko’s form, but he is surely losing sleep over not having Yaya Youre at his disposal for Sunday’s clash with Manchester United.
The former FC Barcelona midfielder is one of the first names on Mancini’s team-sheet every week, and to say that he is an integral part of City’s squad is a huge understatement.
With Yaya out, United may just fancy their chances at the Etihad Stadium, but a draw seems more likely.
Prediction: Manchester City 1 – Manchester United 1
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