Published: Today at 00:49
ROBERTO MANCINI says that thrashing Manchester United 6-1 was a once in a 100 years experience.
And he has warned Manchester City fans not to expect a repeat in Monday’s title battle.
Blues supporters were in dreamland when their team ran riot at Old Trafford back in October.
But City’s boss expects Monday’s return at the Etihad — which will go a long way to deciding the Premier League crown — will be a much closer affair.
Mancini said: “The derby is always the game of the year and this one is no different.
“But we don’t only have this one — there was another derby when we won 6-1 at Old Trafford.
“That was fantastic, a game that can happen only once every hundred years.”
“For the supporters, a derby is always a different game to the others.
“But we must not forget that there are two more games after Monday. Two very tough games.”
United chief Alex Ferguson believes Monday will be the biggest derby in his quarter of a century in charge.
Mancini insists Fergie has good reason to say that — because City have never been stronger during those years than they are now.
The Italian said: “He has said that probably because every derby he played was against a City that was a so-so team, not a strong team like now.
“It is important for the city of Manchester. They have two top teams who are in a position to play this important game.”
Mancini has been keen to keep the pressure off his players in recent weeks — and is still doing so as the big game draws closer.
He has played down its significance by claiming it is not even the biggest game of his 2½ years in charge.
The City boss added: “The biggest match was the FA Cup final last season. This is a derby — but just one more game.
“The only important thing is to win. We have three points less than United. We need only to play football.
“We are calm because we know we don’t have any chance to win this title. It is a football game and we should think only to play football.
“We are happy to be where we are. We have nine points more than we got last year, and I am happy that we can finish the season well.”
City were boosted on Monday when it emerged Yaya Toure would not be charged over photos which appeared to show him sticking a V-sign up at Wolves fans.
They also hope to have Micah Richards back from a hamstring injury while Mario Balotelli is available after finishing his three-match ban.
Mancini said: “We will have all our players available if Micah recovers.”
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