Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini insists his old club can still mount a successful title defence.
City are now 11 points runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool.
But Italy coach Mancini says: "I think that Liverpool in the last two years are a strong team.
"But I remember last year in November and December Manchester City were seven points behind Liverpool.
"The Premier League is a very difficult championship. There is too long [to go]."
