Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini insists his old club can still mount a successful title defence.

City are now 11 points runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool.

But Italy coach Mancini says: "I think that Liverpool in the last two years are a strong team.

"But I remember last year in November and December Manchester City were seven points behind Liverpool.

"The Premier League is a very difficult championship. There is too long [to go]."