Kolo Toure fears City are blowing the title

Kolo Toure has ­questioned his Manchester City side’s mentality, and admitted they are in danger of turning their title dream into a nightmare.

City defender Toure has told his team-mates they won’t catch Premier League leaders Manchester United if they play as badly as they did in the first half of Thursday's Europa League exit against Sporting Lisbon.

Although City overturned Sporting’s 2-0 lead in a storming comeback to win 3-2 but go out on away goals, Toure is worried because they also lost their two previous games.

“We didn’t give 100 per cent in the first half, but in the second half the manager shouted to us, told us to show a bit of fight. We did that. But this is the second time now,” said Toure, who skippered the side on Thursday.

“At Swansea, we didn’t play very good in the first half either.

"I don't know why we are doing that. It must be the mentality. The season is very long and there is a lot of ­pressure. But there is no excuse.

"We are footballers and we knew this season would be difficult.

“We need to do that from the first minute and give 100 per cent until the end of the game. High concentration, that is important.

“If we play like we did in the first 45 minutes (against Sporting), we won’t win the league. But if we play like we did in the last 30, we can.”

City manager Roberto Mancini delivered the same pre-match warning to his players, claiming they must change their mentality.

The Italian will be concerned that they appear so fragile at this critical stage of the season.

Toure was heartened by City's rousing three-goal fightback against Sporting, and insists they still control the destiny of the title with the Manchester derby at Eastlands on Monday April 30 looming large.

City do not have a game this weekend and could be four points behind United by the time their next match, at home to Chelsea on Wednesday, kicks off.

"We still have the initiative," said the Ivory Coast star. "We have the
players, we have the commitment, so of course we can still win.

"We just need to believe and show our character.

"It's going to be massive for the club. It's going to be a dream come true for City after what everybody has put into this club."