Mancini braced for test of resolve

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has told his side to treat every game in their title run-in like a Champions League final.

The Barclays Premier League leaders resume their championship quest following their latest European exploits as struggling Blackburn visit the Etihad Stadium today .

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. I think every game from now until the end will be difficult.”

City are determined to ensure the huge coverage surrounding the Carlos Tevez issue does not prove a distraction and Tevez, who has not played since September, will only feature again when ready.

First-team coach David Platt said: “He still has a bit of work to do.”

The potential injection of quality offered by Tevez – who has scored 52 goals in 91 City appearances – and the return of Yaya Toure are seen as potentially crucial factors in the title race.

Yet Platt insists nobody at the club is doubting their staying power.

He said: “What belief do we need? We have a group of players and a staff that believe that we can continue to do what we have done for the first two thirds of the season. If we do that we will be hard to shift off the top.”