Coach: I reignited the rivalry between Manchester United and Manchester City

Roberto Mancini guided Man City to their first ever Premier League title in 2011-12

ROBERTO MANCINI believes his spell as Manchester City boss helped level the playing field with rivals Manchester United.

 

The Italian spent four years in Manchester that saw him lead City to FA Cup glory in the 2010-11 season, before guiding them to their first ever Premier League title a year later.

In an unforgettable final day of the season, City's 3-2 victory over QPR, scoring two goals in stoppage time - snatched the title from rivals United.

And by leading City to silverware, Mancini believes it gave the Manchester derby a different meaning.

 

"I helped to change the dynamics of the Manchester derby and it was very difficult to do that," he told Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy.

"United were a top club for many years and to achieve the status of equality was very tough.

"We bought a lot of good players who worked very hard and gave the club their first title win in a long time.

 

Vincent Kompany and Mancini celebrate the club's first Premier League title

 

"I like to take up difficult challenges and work hard towards achieving my goals."

City and United only played each other last month as both sides played out a dull 0-0 at Old Trafford.

Mancini has tipped his former team to win the title this season following their impressive start to the campaign.