Mancini: City must not be complacent

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has told his side to treat every game in their title run-in like a UEFA Champions League final. The Premier League leaders resume their championship quest, following their latest European exploits, as struggling Blackburn Rovers visit the Etihad Stadium tomorrow. City have a two-point advantage with 13 games remaining and Mancini is braced for a stern test of resolve in the season's closing months. The Italian said: "It is impossible to be complacent. Every game is like a Champions League final and for this reason we need good concentration. "Now we have a game against Blackburn on Saturday and I think every game from now until the end will be difficult. When you play against a squad playing against relegation, it can be more difficult. "Blackburn won away against Manchester United and we know they are a good team, they are strong on the counter-attack. They have been playing very well in the last two or three weeks. They are playing to get away from the bottom." Toure helps title charge City's title challenge is boosted by the return of inspirational midfielder Yaya Toure from the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. Toure has not played in the Premier League since the victory over Liverpool on 3 January, but returned last week to feature in both legs of the UEFA Europa League win over FC Porto. During his absence, City went out of both domestic cup competitions and suffered a disappointing league defeat at Everton. Mancini said: "Yaya is a high-quality player, he used to play for Barcelona and he is used to playing to win every game. "I think his mentality is very strong and that can help all the team. But we have other important players and I think it is a good mix." Since their last Premier League outing, a 1-0 win at Aston Villa a fortnight ago, City have made comfortable progress in the Europa League, beating the Portuguese champions 6-1 on aggregate to set up a meeting with Sporting CP.