Roberto Mancini believes his players have consigned the cruel derby defeat to the past as they prepare to try and bounce back against third-placed Arsenal at The Emirates.
Mancini gave his subdued Blues Monday off in the wake of a luckless derby defeat seconds from the end that put a dent in the bid to earn a Champions League ticket next season.
But he confirmed: "They were back to normal after a couple of days had passed. That is football - sometimes you can play a good game and you lose, but you have to put it behind you. We have another four games now and our focus is on Arsenal.
"Losing like we did can motivate you.
For the players, that is important, but
the past is past, if you win or if you
lose"
Mancini is now looking for his team to respond in similar fashion to the superb 4-2 victory at Premier League leaders Chelsea just days after being bundled out of the FA Cup at Stoke.
Having studied Arsenal's 3-2 stumble at Wigan from 2-0 up - "if you lose concentration before the end of the game, it can happen" - City's boss knows the Gunners will be wounded.
He admitted: "Will they be more dangerous now? Yes, but Arsenal are always dangerous - they are a good team, with good players and a good manager. Such teams are always dangerous."
And noting the criticism that followed Wigan, he added: "In England there are four or five teams who are strong. Arsene Wenger is still a top manager, and Arsenal are still a top team."
mcfc.co.uk
Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 3:47 pm