Mancini hails Martinez´s strength

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has praised Wigan manager Roberto Martinez ahead of their meeting in the FA Cup final.

The two sides meet at Wembley in what will be Wigan’s first ever FA Cup final, and Mancini believes the Spaniard is adept enough to handle both the weekend showpiece and Wigan’s relegation run-in.

“Martinez is a strong manager and he knows this situation very well,” the Italian told reporters. “The final is the final. It’s not important what happens in the Premier League.

“Afterward, though, I think they have a good chance to stay in the Premier League as they have two games left.”

The 48-year-old insisted City are not favourites in what will be the club’s second final in three years, citing their hard-fought win over Stoke two years ago as proof that every cup clash provides its own challenge.

“We know that every final is difficult,” Mancini said. “I don’t think in a final one team can be favourite.

“Against Stoke (in the final two years ago) we were called favourites but they played very well. I think we will have the same problem this year. For Wigan, this will be an important moment.

“The FA Cup is the second trophy in England after the Premier League. I think it’s an important trophy for everyone.

“For us, it’s our second final in three years – we have the chance to get our second cup and we want to do a good job. To play at Wembley is fantastic and that will be the same for both teams.”

Mancini also defended his side’s overall campaign, insisting City have had a good season despite not achieving success on all fronts.

“I think that before this final we have had a good season,” he said. “When you start the season you want to win as many trophies as you can but sometimes this isn’t possible.

“It is not like last season because we won the Premier League, but I think it’s still a good season.”