MANCHESTER CITY MAY look untouchable at the summit of the Premier League, but the side’s European prospects have dimmed considerably in recent days.
A lacklustre performance against Serie A upstarts Napoli, during which the Eastlands outfit failed to emulate the speed and incisiveness that has defined their league performances, leaves Roberto Mancini’s men on the verge of an early exit from the Champions League.
Unsurprisingly, the result has forced the Italian to row back from his earlier, bullish suggestion that his squad was on par with the best in Europe.
Speaking to the BBC, Mancini claimed it was necessary to be “realistic” when appraising City’s chances.
“We should be realistic,” said Mancini. “I do not think we have a team to win the Champions League this season.“Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Inter Milan all have more experience than us.”
With their fate resting on the unlikely concurrence of a dominant home performance against Bayern Munich and an improved display from point-less Villarreal when they host Napoli, City enter the decisive round of group stage fixtures in hope rather than expectation of remaining in the competition.
