Mancini: Europa League is important
February 22, 2012 09:32:38 UK
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini believes the Europa League is very important to his club, despite their battle to be crowned Premier League champions.
The Citizens hold a 2-1 advantage from the first leg of their last-32 tie away to FC Porto, with Mancini urging his side to finish the job off at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday evening.
We will play our normal game on Wednesday but it is vital every player works hard for the team.
Roberto Mancini
"For us every game is serious and we want to win every match," the Italian told reporters. "If we win the Europa League it would be an important moment for the club.
"Every game is dangerous for different reasons, but it is better start with a 2-1 lead, but I think it's important to think that it is 0-0 start.
"We will play our normal game on Wednesday but it is vital every player works hard for the team - every player has to work hard and defend when they need to, or else we can't play with so many attacking players."
City are 1.062 to progress safely to the last 16, 1.61 to win on the night and 8.00 to triumph by a 2-0 scoreline.
Mancini has the luxury of a fully fit squad to choose from for the clash with Porto, while his options are set to be further boosted by the return to the fold of striker Carlos Tevez.
The Argentinian is back training with the rest of the City squad, but has not been registered for the Europa League.
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