Toure: Title race too close to call

Manchester City defender Kolo Toure believes that the Premier League title race between his side and Manchester United is too close to call.

City hold a two-point lead over the Red Devils with 11 games and one crucial meeting between the arch rivals to go, but Toure is not putting a great deal of stock in the slim advantage.

“It will be tough now because of all the experience and quality Manchester United have,” Toure told The Independent.

“To be honest, it’s 50-50. We need to be careful, but it’s going to be a great end to the season.”

“The best scenario for us would be to win all our games and then have a ‘final’ against Manchester United to win it; but the season is a long one and there are no small teams.”

Roberto Mancini’s men head to the Liberty Stadium on Sunday to face 14th-placed Swansea City and Toure is determined to come away with an important win.

“The Swansea game is going to be like a final for us,” Toure said.

“Every game we play between now and the end of the season is going to be massive. We will give our all against Swansea.”

With captain Vincent Kompany injured, Joleon Lescott a doubt and Micah Richards only just coming back from injury, Toure has found himself a key figure at the back for Mancini, and the Ivorian is happy to be part of a deep squad.

“That is why I am here,” said the 30-year-old.

“We have a big squad and every time the manager needs a player to come in and give of his best, we have to do it. I will give everything, as I have always done.”

“I am more hungry than ever after the difficult time I have had [a lengthy drugs ban for taking his wife’s slimming pills] and I just want to play well for the team.”

“I am here to pass on my experience. The team needs experience and quality and now is the time to show it.”