Mancini calls for big effort

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini says 'concentration' is the key as they look keep Cristiano Ronaldo at bay.

Last Updated: 20/11/12 at 13:43 Post Comment

Cristiano Ronaldo: Back in Manchester on Wednesday

Cristiano Ronaldo: Back in Manchester on Wednesday

The Portuguese superstar returns to Manchester on Wednesday for the first time since leaving United three years ago as Real Madrid head for the Etihad Stadium.

Real are on the cusp of qualifying for the knockout phase and anything other than a City win will see Mancini's side go out in the group stage for the second successive year.

And Mancini admits that Ronaldo - who he tips to win the Ballon D'Or - is almost impossible to stop.

"How do we stop him? Maybe we'll call the police," joked the City boss.

"He's a top player and, when you come up against someone who can score one or two goals every game, it is difficult. We will need to concentrate.

"For me Ronaldo deserves to win the Ballon D'Or. He scored so many goals last year and that helped Madrid finish above Barcelona.

"But I hope he can have a bad night on Wednesday. Maybe they can leave him at home."

Mancini insists that Madrid and Ronaldo will not take City lightly, despite their struggles in Europe.

"For him it will be a big night - but it's also an important game for Madrid. They still have a chance of going through to the second stage," he said.

"Players like Ronaldo and Messi are difficult to mark. You can do good work but they are still players who can score in every game. That's why they are the best players in the world."

Mancini believes City's disappointing Champions League campaign can be traced back to the final minutes of their opening game in Madrid when, with six minutes to go, they allowed a 2-1 lead to slip as they went down 3-2.

Mancini said: "If we had come back from the Bernabeu with a good result it would probably have changed this group for us.

"When you are 2-1 up with four minutes to go, you should be very strong to close the game."

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

m starting to think Roman may never actually be happy at the top level. If he wants all conquering fancy football I wonder if he'd be better off buying a lower division side then paying outlandish salaries to attract high caliber players too good for the division.

john matrix
The Most Unsatisfying European Victory...

R

afa has to be favourite for the Everton job now, surely :) He'll realise his ambition to live and work on Merseyside again, get the best out of whoever plays for them, maybe win some cups and be thoroughly loathed by the toffee fans. What's not to like? Go ead, Ken, gimajob!

captbusby
Benitez basks in final glory

T

hat is arguably the least inspiring England I have ever seen. There is not a single name in that list that makes me think I might actually want to watch this team. Not a one.

harry hotspur
Carroll back in England squad

Footer 365

Rooney to miss West Brom game

Wayne Rooney will miss Manchester United's final game of the season at West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.

Redknapp admits testing times

Harry Redknapp admits his Queens Park Rangers reign has been one of the most turbulent of his career.

Hodgson makes England plea

Roy Hodgson is urging English football not to lose sight of the importance of international combat.

Mail Box

James Collins Is Only 29. Tough Paper Round

He is one of a number of solid shouts for players that look old before their time. We also have the final words on lovely D-Beck and a rejection of end of season playoffs...

Without Posh, Becks Could Have Been Scholes

That's one opinion, but others give their thanks to the man. We also have ideas for a relegation playoff, happy memories of the season and a defence of Liverpool's campaign...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved