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Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has described his side’s Champions League encounter with Ajax on Tuesday night as its “last chance” to stay in the competition.
The English champions have already suffered defeat to Frank de Boer's men this season and, having lost to Real Madrid and drawn at home against Borussia Dortmund, are close to elimination.
But, despite Joleon Lescott and James Milner joining David Silva, Jack Rodwell and Maicon on the injury list for the visit of the Eredivisie holders, Mancini insists that the fit members his squad should be relishing the task facing them.
"We have some important players injured, but when you have this problem, all the players tend to put more [effort in] on the pitch,” Mancini told reporters. "This is the last chance for us."
The Italian also reiterated his belief that his side is not currently equipped for European success, citing the fact that it is only the club’s second year in the competition.
"For me, [managing in Europe] is the same,” Mancini explained. “But if I said we are ready to win the Champions League, this is not true. We need to improve.
"Probably there are other teams better than us in this competition because they have played every year in the Champions League."
The English champions have already suffered defeat to Frank de Boer's men this season and, having lost to Real Madrid and drawn at home against Borussia Dortmund, are close to elimination.
But, despite Joleon Lescott and James Milner joining David Silva, Jack Rodwell and Maicon on the injury list for the visit of the Eredivisie holders, Mancini insists that the fit members his squad should be relishing the task facing them.
"We have some important players injured, but when you have this problem, all the players tend to put more [effort in] on the pitch,” Mancini told reporters. "This is the last chance for us."
The Italian also reiterated his belief that his side is not currently equipped for European success, citing the fact that it is only the club’s second year in the competition.
"For me, [managing in Europe] is the same,” Mancini explained. “But if I said we are ready to win the Champions League, this is not true. We need to improve.
"Probably there are other teams better than us in this competition because they have played every year in the Champions League."