Nasri factors Mancini into City success

Samir Nasri told UEFA.com that disappointment in the UEFA Champions League group stage had toughened Manchester City FC up, as they prepare to take on Sporting Clube de Portugal in the UEFA Europa League round of 16. "There's an improvement because we have played in the Champions League, being in a difficult group and not coming through," said the French attacking midfielder, who gave manager Roberto Mancini plenty of credit for the club's rising profile. "He's someone who talks a lot, and who doesn't accept defeats," said the former Arsenal FC man. "He likes to win, and he's very good. He likes to analyse the opponents, and he's able to point out their weaknesses so that we can hit where it hurts."