Roberto Mancini is unconcerned that Manchester City have yet to test themselves in the Champions League as the Italian feels they have enough experience to bridge the gap in quality. City are on course for a top-four finish in the Barclays Premier League this term which will hand them the chance to take on Europe's elite in 2011-12.
"When you play in the Champions League for the first time, maybe you can have problems, but when I played for Sampdoria 20 years ago we got to the final (of the old European Cup) the first time we qualified," he said.
"In football, never say never - anything can happen. It is clear that we are not like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Milan or Inter, teams that have played in the Champions League for a long time.
"But after this year, if we do well in the Europa League, it will be a good experience and all our players play for their national teams."
Earlier this week midfielder Yaya Toure said he thought they could be a better team than Barcelona - It is something Mancini is also prepared to believe in.
"I think we need to work more, but I hope so - why not?" the manager said.
"We have big possibilities for the future because we are a strong club."
