By NEIL CUSTIS
ROBERTO MANCINI has warned his faltering champions not to give up the battle for second place.
The Manchester City boss may given up on the title as they trail neighbours United by 15 points with nine games to go.
Now Chelsea and Spurs are on their tails and could snatch runners-up spot.
But Mancini said: “I am sure Chelsea and Tottenham want to take second place.
“I don’t think that can happen but we need to pay attention.
“We want it as well. It is important for the players to finish second because if we do that and win the FA Cup it could still be a good season.
“The title race is over but that changes nothing as we should do our best from now until the end of the season.”
That second place came into doubt a fortnight ago when City lost at Everton and Chelsea beat West Ham at Stamford Bridge to move within four points.
Mancini was so angry after the defeat at Goodison Park he refused to speak to the media.
He knew all hopes of a title comeback had gone.
And Mancini added: “I was really unhappy after Everton and I didn’t want to say bad things.
“It’s now in the past but I was disappointed with our performance and with the referee’s performance — that is why I didn’t want to talk. I was upset.
“We had 22 shots on goal and didn’t score. It is the same problem — we are not scoring enough goals to win games.
“It is a problem we have had all year and we didn’t play well.”
City take on Newcastle at the Etihad today. And they will then keep close tabs on Monday’s FA Cup quarter-final replay to see whether they will face Manchester United or Chelsea.
Mancini insisted: “We should be sad we didn’t win the title but now it is important we win the FA Cup.
“United have the chance to win a Double but the Cup is also important for us and for Chelsea.”
City eased past the Toon 3-1 at St James’ Park but Newcastle will be a different proposition this time around after their transfer window activity.
Mancini added: “They have changed three or four players in the January market and have improved their team.
“They are a good team with a good manager and are doing well in the Europa League. Every time you play them it is a difficult game because they have good players.”
Mancini will be hoping to recall captain Vincent Kompany for today’s game.
He was furious with the Belgium defender for playing against Macedonia on Tuesday after having not been available for City since late January.
But it is understood that game did not affect his long-standing calf problem and he will be fit to play.
