Mancini admits odds are against Man City after Napoli nightmare
Published:Manchester City’s 2-1 defeat against Napoli has now left Roberto Mancini’s side needing a huge turnaround if they are to make the knockout stages of the Champions League.
The Premier League table-toppers are now out at 11/5 to qualify from Group A and have to beat Bayern Munich in their final game in Manchester to even stand a chance of making it through.
They also need Villarreal to take at least a point from Napoli in Spain to stop the Italians claiming second spot – and Mancini has admitted the odds are hugely in favour of their Tuesday night conquerors.
Speaking to the BBC, he said: “The chances of qualifying are 70% to Napoli, 30% to us.
“But Napoli are the favourites and life doesn’t finish if we don’t get through.
“We have still got another match to play and if we don’t qualify we will play in the Europa League. Everything is not finished – never say never.”
The result means Europa League football is looking more than likely for the big-spending Manchester side and, while it may not set too many pulses racing, City will take some beating if they do drop into the competition.
Ladbrokes have installed City at 7/1 to win the Europa League which may not be a bad bet to get on early – especially as Mancini remains determined to prove City’s worth on the continent.
However, for the more optimistic City fans out there, Mancini’s men can be backed at 25/1 to cause a huge upset and go on to win the Champions League for the first time in their history.
