Mancini says touchline bust-up with Ferguson shows Man City's determination to claim PL title

London, May 6 (ANI): Manchester City manager Robert Mancini believes his touchline clash with Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson proves that City are not going to step back in the fight for the English Premier League title.

Ferguson accused Mancini of continually trying to influence the match officials in last Monday's night match, as the Blues went back to the top of the Premier League table on goal difference with a 1-0 derby victory at the Etihad Stadium.

"Sir Alex reacted because of the pressure of a derby and the situation at the top. I don't know what else it could be. But I understand it. It is difficult for me. If another manager says something against me without a reason then I think I have to stand where I am," the Daily Mirror quoted Mancini, as saying.

"I didn't say anything to Sir Alex. I only spoke to the fourth official and it had nothing to do with him. Maybe it was because of the game. In a derby like that I can understand," he added.

City have surged to the top with four successive victories, while United have won just once in that -period, which made Mancini believe that his team's renaissance proves that his players are mentally strong.

"United have a stronger mentality than us because they are a club that has been winning for 20 years. They win, win, win, win. When that happens you become stronger. You change more when you win. What happened in the derby won't change them. But it will change us," he declared.

If City wins their final two games, they will be crowned as champions for the first time in 44 years. Mancini's men travel to Newcastle today before facing Queens Park Rangers at home next Sunday. (ANI)