Mancini wants win without late drama

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini expects QPR to prove just as tough this weekend as they did in last season’s final-day thriller — but without the drama.

Former City boss Mark Hughes brings his Rangers team back to the Etihad Stadium 16 weeks after the memorable conclusion to the last Barclays Premier League campaign.

City came from 2-1 behind in injury time to win 3-2 and clinch their first title for 44 years on an afternoon of high emotions on which QPR also narrowly avoid relegation.

Mancini said: “The last game was a crazy game, it is impossible if you think before the game how it can finish, to think of a game like this.

“I hope this year we can do the same result but not concede one or two goals again.

“It is important we win this game but we know it will be difficult. It will be the same.

“QPR have bought more players, I think they are better this year.

“Also we are at the start of the season when every game is difficult.”

Mancini has always maintained he never gave up hope his side could come out on top, even as the game went into injury-time and it looked like Manchester United had snatched back the crown.

“No, never,” he said when asked if he ever stopped believing. “But three or four minutes to the end and you are 2-1 down it is difficult to score two goals. But in the end we deserved it.”

City return to the Champions League this season and have been drawn in a mouth-watering group alongside Real Madrid, Ajax and Borussia Dortmund, the champions of Spain, Holland and Germany respectively.

City failed to progress beyond the group stages last season and their task this time seems just as tough, but Mancini is positive about it.

He said: “It is easier. You should be lucky in the draw, for the team that plays for the first or second time in Champions League, this can happen.

“I think it is a difficult group but not only for us, for all the teams in the group. I am confident.”

Meanwhile QPR boss Mark Hughes believes top players now feel the Hoops are “a great option” after signing Esteban Granero from Real Madrid for an undisclosed fee.

The 25-year-old midfielder has agreed a four-year contract at Loftus Road after making 60 appearances for Los Blancos.

Hughes said: “He is a great player, first and foremost. You don’t play at a club like Real Madrid if you’re not.

“What we are doing at QPR is having an impact on players. It is probably true to say that if we had approached certain players three or four months ago about joining the club, the suggestion wouldn’t have been entertained.

“But people now know we are serious and we are trying to do something different.

“And that message is out there now which is why we are able to sit in front of quality players and, once we are given that opportunity, we feel we have a good story to tell them. That’s why players are deciding that QPR is a great option.”