Mancini calls for supporters to be patient

Manager Roberto Mancinihas warned Manchester City's expectant supporters not to expect too much too soon from his team.

City open their Premier League title quest against Swansea tonight knowing that of their major rivals for honours, only neighbours Manchester United have recorded a win.

Mancini's men are heavy favourites to match that triumph against a side who only came out of the Championship via the play–offs.

Yet the Blues boss knows that his own team are far from the finished article and it might be as late as November before they actually start hitting top form on a regular basis.

The manager's frustrations are likely to be eased at some point this week: it would be a major surprise if Samir Nasri did not complete his protracted move from Arsenal.

Whether Mancini's grand plan also involves a swap deal to get Wesley Sneijder for Tevez is another matter.

Although the City boss was disappointed by Tevez's conduct during the summer, when the unsettled striker confirmed his intention to leave the club due to well–publicised family problems, he remains an admirer of the Argentine.