Mancini upbeat about Galatasaray's last-16 hopes
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
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Despite the matchday four loss to FC København, Galatasaray AŞ coach Roberto Mancini remains "confident" his side can negotiate a tricky section and reach the last 16.
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Now in his fifth managerial role, Roberto Mancini is determined to make an impact in this season's UEFA Champions League with Galatasaray AŞ despite the narrow margins in Group B.
"Galatasaray are a very good team who have the potential to do well this season. It's never easy in the Champions League and our group is particularly tough. However, we can progress," said the 48-year-old, in spite of his side's wavering grip on second place following the 1-0 loss at FC København on matchday four.
"I'm still confident of qualifying [for the round of 16]. We need to improve as a team but I am hopeful of a good result in our next game against Real Madrid. Then we will have everything to play for [at home to Juventus on 10 December]. As they say in football, never say never," continued the former ACF Fiorentina, SS Lazio, FC Internazionale Milano and Manchester City FC boss.
As Mancini seeks to make an impression with Cimbom, the ex-Italy forward recognises the pressure that comes with a job previously held by fans' favourite Fatih Terim, who steered Galatasaray to UEFA Cup glory in 2000, six Super League titles and the last eight of the 2012/13 UEFA Champions League.
"He is a legend here. I have a lot of respect for him because he is one of the best managers in Europe. You know that in this business your job is never safe. I have a great deal of respect for Fatih and the work he is doing with the Turkish national team," Mancini told UEFA.com.
To hear more from Mancini, click on the video player.