Sa Pinto expecting strong Man City

Sporting Lisbon boss Ricardo Sa Pinto scoffed at suggestions Manchester City will not be trying to win their Europa League tussle on Thursday.

Sporting won the first leg of the round-of-16 clash with the English Premier League powerhouse 1-0 in Portugal, and will be looking to secure their place in the quarter-finals at Etihad Stadium on Thursday.

Although Manchester City’s chief concern is wresting the Premier League title from Manchester United’s grasp, Sa Pinto believes Roberto Mancini’s side will be going all out for victory in the second leg.

“I don’t believe in that, that the manager wants to lose,” Sa Pinto said.

“They lost the match against Swansea and they lost the match against us, but they will have the desire to win the match tomorrow.”

“We know it is a decisive match tomorrow so it has to be decided, but I don’t believe in a weak City for tomorrow.”

“They have to play to their potential and we have to play to our potential.”

“It will be a very interesting match tomorrow.”

Sporting defender Daniel Carrico echoed his manager’s sentiments and said his side would need to be at their best to overcome City.

“We have to be prepared tomorrow,” Carrico said.

“We have a great identity and team spirit for tomorrow, knowing that we are going to face one of the best teams in the world.”