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Roberto Mancini demands strong finish

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini tells his players that they must respond to last week's defeat at Southampton in a positive manner.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has challenged his players to finish the campaign in a similar fashion to their memorable title charge of last season.

The reigning champions slipped 12 points behind league leaders Manchester United last weekend with a disappointing 3-1 defeat at Southampton.

Mancini has openly admitted that he will wield the axe for the FA Cup tie at home to Leeds United this weekend but wants his squad as a whole to produce a positive finish in all competitions.

He told reporters: "We now have 12 games left, we need to do well in the Premier League and the FA Cup.

"We can do better. We need to finish the season the way we did last season.

"Every team that plays against us plays like it's the Champions League final, this is normal."

City's next Premier League match is at home to Chelsea on Sunday, February 24.

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Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini on the touchline during the match against rivals Manchester United on December 9, 2012
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