Mancini maintains title hopes

MANCHESTER City manager Roberto Mancini is adamant the odds against retaining their Premier League title are not insurmountable.

A 2–2 draw at home to Liverpool saw them lose further ground on rivals Manchester United, now nine points clear.

But Mancini insists nothing is impossible: he believes they will still be in a position to challenge when they go to Old Trafford on April 6.

"Last year we recovered eight points in six games so I don't know why it can't happen this year," he said.

"We have 15 games and they have to play in FA Cup and the Champions League so the season is long — three months — and we are confident. It is enough to recover three or four points in three games.

"For us it is important to play the derby two or three points behind and we have time to recover these points.”

It is a tall order facing City, but considering the remarkable circumstances in which they won the title in May, with virtually the last kick of the season, Mancini is not ruling anything out.

"Two years ago Chelsea were nine points behind and when they went to play at Old Trafford two games from the end (of the season) they were only two points behind," added.

"I don't think this is finished but probably now we have to win all the games but if not then 11 or 12 games.”