Roberto Mancini sets Manchester City a title target

City returned to the top of the table with yesterday's 1-0 victory at Aston Villa after being deposed for 24 hours by near neighbours United.

After winning one of their previous six away games, it was a vital triumph for Mancini and his players that came courtesy of Joleon Lescott's third goal of the season in the 63rd minute.

After a particularly troubled January, Mancini is naturally hoping the worst is behind his team, particularly as City will be back to full strength for their next league game at home to Blackburn in 12 days' time.

With Kolo and Yaya Toure back from African Nations Cup duty and Mario Balotelli having now completed a four-match ban, Mancini said: "We know December and January were difficult months.

"We had players injured, suspended or away. All these reasons. But now we are in February and we are still on top.

"Next week we will have all the players, which is very important for us.

"But to stay on top with Manchester United and Tottenham shows we are very strong.

"We've 13 games from now until the end (of the season), and we know if we want to win the league we have to win 11 or 12, if possible."

Another player who could yet be back in the fold is Carlos Tevez, with Mancini and the Argentinian striker on the brink of ending their three-and-a-half-month feud.

Striker Tevez has been frozen out at City since his refusal to warm up during a Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich at the end of September.
Mancini insisted Tevez would never play for the club again, but after failing to move the player on during last month's transfer window, it appears as if a resolution is at hand.

The suggestion is Tevez is due back in Manchester this week, maybe as early as tomorrow, so when asked about such a prospect, Mancini said: "I don't know. I hope so, yes.

"I don't have any problem and the club doesn't have any problem. Finish. It's up to him. Carlos knows everything, he knows the situation.

"I spoke with Carlos one week after Munich. He knows everything. We are here. We've not changed these past few months and Carlos knows that. He is a City player."

Mancini has made it clear, however, that he fully expects Tevez to say sorry, adding: "This is normal.

"Then after Carlos can train, can play, as long as his condition is good. If he comes back, we are happy."