For the second season in succession, City have no chance of making the Champions League last-16 after a record of three draws and two defeats left them bottom of Group D in the continent’s premier competition with just three points.
They go to German champions Borussia Dortmund today, who, along with Real Madrid, have already qualified for the knockout rounds leaving City and Ajax to aim for a Europa League place instead.
City must beat Dortmund and hope that Jose Mourinho’s Real can prevent Ajax from a victory if they want to keep their European ambitions alive.
“We will try, but we need to win in Dortmund and it will not be easy because Dortmund are in a good condition,” said Mancini about his team lacking motivation without advancing in the Champions League. “There is the Premier League, and the Europa League if we can go in it, and also the FA Cup. The season is long and it is important.”
Top spot still the target for defiant Wenger
Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insisted he still harbours aspirations of knocking rivals Schalke off their perch atop Group B.
The Premier League side ensured their progression to the knockout phase for a 13th straight year with a 2-0 victory over Montpellier a fortnight ago, but the Gunners must beat Europa-League destined Olympiakos today if they hope to avoid a seeded team, such as Barcelona, in the next round.
“The top spot is at stake and that’s what we will try to achieve,” said Wenger. “I’m confident that [already eliminated] Montpellier will want to finish the Champions League well. There’s a chance that Montpellier can beat Schalke.”
Published in The Express Tribune, December 4th, 2012.
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