‘Six months to shape City’

ROBERTO MANCINI faces a club close to his heart admitting it will take another six months to shape Manchester City in his own image.

The Italian manager is aiming to get the better of Juventus tonight in the their glamour Europa League group match at Eastlands (Setanta Ireland).

Mancini said: “I think we can create a special team in six months. We need time to improve day by day to change the mentality. We must start winning consistently. That is important.”

Juventus are also in transition and Mancini has not ruled out the possibility of returning home to coach them one day.

“Why not, football is like that, ” he said.

“I have never been an enemy of Juventus. I was a huge fan for years when I was a child so I have great respect for the club and players.

“It will be a special match as it is the first time I am coaching an English team against Juventus. Obviously I miss home, as anyone would, but I am happy here. This is where I am living and working.”

Veteran midfielder Patrick Vieira is hoping to claim a place in the team after saying he was “frustrated” at his lack of game time in Turin. Vieira, 34, arrived in January from Inter Milan following a season with Juventus. He said: “It has been frustrating. Like everyone else, I want to play more often and be more involved. I know how strong the team is, especially in the midfield.

“I want to play more than one game a month. I will get my chance”

Shaun Wright-Phillips is doubtful with a knee problem while Wayne Bridge and Aleksandar Kolarov are still absent.