Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has stressed the importance of using the summer to prepare his troops for another assault on a Champions League placing. The Italian only arrived at the club halfway through the 2009/10 campaign and believes the experience will stand him in good stead.
"I think it is vital we have a good pre-season and I'm looking forward to it already," he told the club's official website.
"A lot of players will be at the World Cup and will maybe arrive back a little later, but we will have plenty of time together.
"I enjoyed the six months I had last season but it was really hectic and meant learning a lot very quickly for me.
"I am glad now of the chance to take a breath and prepare for next season when we want to improve on what we achieved this season."
Mancini will not attend the World Cup in South Africa but will follow the tournament with interest and hopes Italy can do well.
"I will watch the World Cup on TV with my sons and just relax and rest as much as I can," he explained.
"Football will never be far from my mind but it is a chance to recharge my batteries.
"It will be an interesting summer but it would be nice if Italy made it to the final but I think it will be difficult."
