Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has again declared he's working under difficult circumstances.

Mancini believes no side other than Barcelona could cope with the problems he is encountering.

"Maybe Barcelona could. Manchester City no," he said.

"In four or five years, Manchester City probably yes. But not now.

"When I said one month ago that December and January would be the crucial months it was because I know football.

"Every year in every squad you have one difficult moment. At the moment we are not strong and we have lost important players, so it is difficult."