Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini says they will be challenging for the title next season.

Mancini is certainly not daunted by the prospect and draws encouragement from City's performances against this season's top four and Liverpool as he plots an assault on top spot in his first full season in charge.

"We finished fifth this season but yes, it is possible to get over all those teams who finished above us," he said. "This season we beat Chelsea twice, we drew with Liverpool twice and we beat Arsenal.

"We lost to Tottenham and Manchester United but we were always at the same level.

"These are top teams who have played in the Champions League but we were strong against them all and were ready to meet them mentally. That is important."