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Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini anticipating tough game against Aston Villa despite fans' ongoing protests
The 47-year-old insists his team will learn from the mistakes that have been made this season as he looks forward to a 'difficult game' at Villa Park
11-Feb-2012 10:51:44 PM
By John Stammers
Getty Images
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is hoping to take advantage of uncertainty at Aston Villa ahead of their Premier League clash on Sunday, but will not be tricked into complacency following supporters' protests about Alex McLeish.
The Villans are currently 13th in the league table and have a fairly poor home record, losing five games at Villa Park so far this season.
The Vital Villa fans' website have called for the crowd to show their true feelings and voice concern before the kick-off with Mancini's men, posting a statement claiming their current run of six wins in 24 games is relegation form earlier in the week.
However, the 47-year-old coach is refusing to let the situation at the Midlands club affect his game preparations, and believes the fans will always support their team once the match begins.
When asked if his side can benefit from the uncertainty, the Italian said: "We would hope to but I don't know this.
"It won't change our opinion, it will still be a difficult game.
"They lost their last game against Newcastle and so we will need to play a good game if we want to win against Aston Villa.
"When the game starts their supporters will support their team, always."
City's away form has not been impressive since the turn of the year. Indeed they have lost on their travels to Everton, Wigan and Sunderland in 2012 and Mancini urged his side to avoid making any mistakes against Villa.
He added: "I know what my job is but I am human. Sometimes I can make mistakes, like the referee, like the players.
"Everyone can make a mistake sometimes. It is important the players understand this and they put everything on the pitch.
"When you think that you have made some mistakes, after you prepare better.
"If you made some mistakes, I don't think you can do the same mistakes against Aston Villa."
The Villans are currently 13th in the league table and have a fairly poor home record, losing five games at Villa Park so far this season.
The Vital Villa fans' website have called for the crowd to show their true feelings and voice concern before the kick-off with Mancini's men, posting a statement claiming their current run of six wins in 24 games is relegation form earlier in the week.
However, the 47-year-old coach is refusing to let the situation at the Midlands club affect his game preparations, and believes the fans will always support their team once the match begins.
When asked if his side can benefit from the uncertainty, the Italian said: "We would hope to but I don't know this.
"It won't change our opinion, it will still be a difficult game.
"They lost their last game against Newcastle and so we will need to play a good game if we want to win against Aston Villa.
"When the game starts their supporters will support their team, always."
City's away form has not been impressive since the turn of the year. Indeed they have lost on their travels to Everton, Wigan and Sunderland in 2012 and Mancini urged his side to avoid making any mistakes against Villa.
He added: "I know what my job is but I am human. Sometimes I can make mistakes, like the referee, like the players.
"Everyone can make a mistake sometimes. It is important the players understand this and they put everything on the pitch.
"When you think that you have made some mistakes, after you prepare better.
"If you made some mistakes, I don't think you can do the same mistakes against Aston Villa."
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