Mancini sets City four trophy target

Manchester City want a clean sweep of honours this season - and that is why they aim to treat the Europa League with more respect than neighbours Manchester United will.

That's the claim from Eastlands boss Roberto Mancini, with the Italian arguing his team will be fully committed to bringing Europe's second-best trophy back to England following their disappointing exit from the Champions League.

Mancini has set his sights on lifting a minimum of two trophies this season – though he will aim for all four.

Although the Premier League is his main priority, the Europa League is not far behind, despite the competition’s less than glowing reputation.

The City manager suspects Manchester United will not place the same emphasis on a competition some players have admitted they are embarrassed to be in.

In contrast, Mancini argues, raising the trophy aloft in Bucharest in May will still represent another leap forward for City.

“Maybe we will take it more seriously because we have never won this trophy. I understand it’s not as important as the Champions League, but for us it’s hugely important,” he said.

“We are not Manchester United, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich. We want to win it much more.

“We need to try to win two trophies this year if it’s possible. If we win two important trophies we will improve as a club and as a team.

“Last year we won the FA Cup and that’s an important trophy, it was an important moment for us. It’s the same for the Europa League now.”

City were devastated to be dumped out of the Champions League at the end of the group phase, but they remain top of the Premier League and have booked a berth in the Carling Cup semi final.

They will also host United in the third round of the FA Cup next month.

Mancini is determined to maintain the club’s winning mentality and, as he targeted the Europa League, he insisted it is possible for them to win four trophies.

“We wanted to go through in the Champions League, but it’s now not possible, so now we want to win the Europa League, and that is a major aim for us, winning trophies,” he explained.

“The Premier League is the priority. But the Europa League, the FA Cup, Carling Cup, we want to do well there, too.

"If we are lucky and don’t have a lot of injuries we can have a squad to compete in all the competitions. That is our aim.

“The Europa League is difficult because you play Thursday.

"If we are lucky with the players, we don’t have a lot of injuries. Maybe we can play with two different teams.

“Maybe we can go through in Europe and stay at the top in the league.

"Yes, it makes winning the league harder, but now we are at the top. We’ve started our season very well. It’s clear the first target now is the Premier League.”