Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini and his Man Utd counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson have had plenty to say ahead of the teams’ meeting at the Etihad Stadium tomorrow.
“They (United) can lose, they have three points more. We have three points less and we can’t lose. I think they are better than us in this moment, but a derby is a derby.”
“In this moment, probably United (are favourites for the title), but the season is long.” – Roberto Mancini.
“If we win (on Sunday) it will be one of our best ever results. They are a really good, powerful team with massive players.”
“It won’t be easy and if we defend like we did at Reading we’ll be in trouble.
“The important thing for us is to take lessons from the mistakes we’re making and do something about it. We need to find a solution.” – Sir Alex Ferguson.
“They were a strong team (last season) and they bought van Persie and Kagawa. They put another 25 goals into the squad.” – Roberto Mancini.
“Derby games are notorious for surprises. City haven’t lost for two years in it. It’s going to be a hard game for us but we are capable of beating anyone.” – Sir Alex Ferguson.
“It is an important game. They have three points more than us and they have a small advantage, but a derby is a really difficult match for both teams.
“It is not the season (that will be decided), because we have seven months after.”
“We played the first derby away and we won 6-1. There are some important games that can change your season and the derby (last season) was one of the first games like this for us.” – Roberto Mancini.
“If we got that number [20 penalties at home in just over two seasons] of penalty kicks there’d be an inquiry in the House of Commons. There’d be a protest.” – Sir Alex Ferguson.
“I remember very well last year when Young was swimming in the box. Four or five times in the last 10 games and no-one said anything. Fergie is clever for this.” – Roberto Mancini.