Mancini contradicts Fergie's claims

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has contradicted Sir Alex Ferguson’s claim that Tottenham are playing the best football in the premier league, adding that it’s difficult for the Scotsman to say that his ‘neighbour are playing better football’.

Ahead of the FA Cup third round clash against their arch-rivals, the former Inter manager said:

“It is difficult to say your neighbour is playing better football.

“Tottenham can win the title. They have done a fantastic season until now and in the next four months, I don’t know. But, for now, we are playing the best football in the Premier League.”

City are the best in England at the moment, says Mancini

City have a 3 point lead at the top of the table over their rivals but Mancini is aware of the mental toughness of the defending champions and is not taking the Red Devils easily. Mancini added:

“If you want my opinion, Manchester United are the best team in England. Maybe not now because they have six or seven important players injured. But they have a strong team with a strong mentality and they are at the top.”

Mancini accepted that it will take some time for his cash-rich side to get at par with United in terms of their winning mentality and toughness. The Italian however is proud of bringing the club in a title-challenging situation in a period of less than two years since taking charge.

“We can’t be like them in two years. They have had this mentality for 25 years. We can improve if we continue to win, if we win the championship or other cups. We started it last season. But in two years it is impossible.

“It was important to beat them in the semi-final last year and it was important to beat them at Old Trafford. It was not the 6-1, they played for 40 minutes with 10 players, which is very difficult. It was important because it was a good performance. We played very well away from home.”