Having surrendered the Premier League title to rivals Manchester United, winning the FA Cup will seem like a mere consolation prize to Manchester City fans.
But to Roberto Mancini it is vital that they continue their run of silverware.
Under Mancini, City won their first trophy in 35 years when they beat Stoke in the 2011 FA Cup Final. Then last year, they clinched the League in the most dramatic of circumstances with Sergio Aguero’s goal snatching the title from United.
“It’s important for the mentality and the attitude that we win tomorrow,” said City boss Mancini. “It’s important that you win something special every year. It’s better to win the League or Champions League but we need to work more.”
With two games to go, City are 10 points adrift of United but they have guaranteed themselves Champions League football next term.
“We didn’t deserve to win the League this year because United did better than us but next year we will try again and we have a chance [to win] the FA Cup,” he said. “We need to focus on that and then prepare for next season.”
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez hopes to have centre‑half Antolin Alcaraz back in his team tomorrow.
“Alcaraz has a chance,” said the Wigan boss. “His hamstring has healed really well.
“He will definitely play before the season ends. If not tomorrow, if not Tuesday against Arsenal he will be fit for our final game against Aston Villa, which is great news.”
