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Roberto Mancini insists his City side can still make the Carling Cup final despite their 1-0 home loss to Liverpool in the first leg of the semi-final.
The Manchester City boss admits it will be difficult but believes his team are capable of getting a win at Anfield in the second leg on 25th January. They are now11/4to win the Carling Cup while Liverpool are at 8/13. Crystal Palace, who hold a 1-0 advantage over Cardiff, are at10/1.
Mancini's side were second best at the Etihad on Wednesday evening and had Joe Hart to thank for keeping the score down, but the England keeper had no chance against Steven Gerrard's well-struck penalty. City were without the banned Vincent Kompany and the injured David Silva, while Mario Balotelli was forced off with an ankle injury, and they were unable to seriously penetrate a well-organised Liverpool defence.
The loss came just days after City were dumped out of the FA Cup by fierce rivals Manchester United, and they have now recorded just one win in their last five games. However, they remain three points clear at the top of the Premier League and Mancini insist they will come through thistesting period.
"This moment is very difficult, but it is important that we stay very confident. This moment is not a good moment. We have to continue to work and continue to believe in ourselves," said the Italian.
"We did well until three or four days ago, now we have lost two important games.
"We can win away against Liverpool. It will be difficult, but we will try. It is only one goal."
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