Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has revealed he remains confident his side will qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League.
City have endured a poor start to their European campaign, losing 3-2 to Real Madrid at the Bernabeu before labouring to a draw against German champions Borussia Dortmund at home.
A slow start in what is arguably the competition’s trickiest group has left qualification for the next stage far from certain, but the 47-year-old is upbeat about his side’s chances.
He told reporters: “We played against Real in Madrid, so it is difficult not to concede chances and it’s important not to concede a lot of shots in Europe.
“We had a bad game against Dortmund but it is important we don’t give away so many chances to score. We don’t have experience as a club but all of our players have Champions League experience.
“Maybe as a club, we need more experience, but we have good players and that’s why we should be in the second stage.
“We still have a chance to go through, but we must take our chances.”
The Manchester club will be looking to kick-start their campaign with a win against Ajax on Wednesday evening, but the Italian has warned against complacency at the Amsterdam ArenA.
“People think it will be easy on Wednesday but Ajax have a good young team and will play well. It is more difficult away from home,” he added.
“Every group game is difficult in the Champions League but we should continue our way and if we play like this, we will win.”