Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has revealed how he is hoping Liverpool clinch success in the Europa League this season after watching the Reds' Benfica demolition.
The Italian viewed from the Anfield directors' box and was left impressed by the manner of the stylish 4-1 victory as goals from Dirk Kuyt, Lucas Leiva and Fernando Torres (2) fired Rafa Benitez's men into the semi-finals of the competition on Thursday.
However, Mancini does not subscribe to the view that Liverpool's European run will have a negative impact on their challenge for a top four finish as the Reds, City, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa all continue to vie for Champions League football.
Asked if he felt our Europa League schedule could act as a distraction, the Eastlands manager said: "Helpful to us? I hope so. They played a fantastic game on Thursday and I hope that they win the Europa League.
"But they are a strong team. They will still try hard for fourth place, which is normal. There are four teams still for the one place - ourselves, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Liverpool.
"It's six games for us and Tottenham and only five for Liverpool. But all our games are difficult, starting with Birmingham (on Sunday)."
The Italian viewed from the Anfield directors' box and was left impressed by the manner of the stylish 4-1 victory as goals from Dirk Kuyt, Lucas Leiva and Fernando Torres (2) fired Rafa Benitez's men into the semi-finals of the competition on Thursday.
However, Mancini does not subscribe to the view that Liverpool's European run will have a negative impact on their challenge for a top four finish as the Reds, City, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa all continue to vie for Champions League football.
Asked if he felt our Europa League schedule could act as a distraction, the Eastlands manager said: "Helpful to us? I hope so. They played a fantastic game on Thursday and I hope that they win the Europa League.
"But they are a strong team. They will still try hard for fourth place, which is normal. There are four teams still for the one place - ourselves, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Liverpool.
"It's six games for us and Tottenham and only five for Liverpool. But all our games are difficult, starting with Birmingham (on Sunday)."
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