Friday, 13th May, 2011
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has urged his players not to underestimate the threat posed by Stoke City in tomorrow’s FA Cup final.
The Potters demolished Bolton Wanderers in the semi-final, routing Owen Coyle’s side 5-0 and sent out a message to City that they will prove a tough proposition. Even so, Mancini’s side have still been installed as heavy favourites to lift the cup, but the Italian does not want his players to get carried away.
"Stoke are a strong team and a very difficult team", said the City boss.
"To think they are an easy team would be a mistake."
And the Italian knows the importance of City claiming their first piece of silverware of the Sheikh Mansour era, especially after qualifying for the Champions League.
"We have achieved one piece of history by going into the Champions League. Now it’s time we won a title. It’s important to start to do this as quickly as we can."
Stoke meanwhile have Europa League football to look forward to next season regardless of the result tomorrow by virtue of City’s Champions League finish.
"Stoke in an FA Cup final, perhaps finishing in the top 10 and being in Europe. It is a bit special", commented the club’s boss Tony Pulis.
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