Friday 14 September 2012 15:01, UK
Roberto Mancini knows his Manchester City players are in for a tough test at Stoke and has called for a strong referee.
"For us, it is very difficult, but not only for us, for all the teams. It is important we try to play football like we do. "They are very strong, they are tall, but with this kind of football they always stay in the Premier League." The Italian is backing his players to stand up to the usual aerial assault that visiting teams are subjected to at the Britannia Stadium - if the officials ignore the vocal home support. "We have experience for this, all our players know this game, and we know it will be a tough game," added Mancini. "I think it is important that the referee (Mark Clattenburg) does his job."