Mancini believes next PL title race won't just be 'Manchester affair'

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has insisted that the next Premier League title race won't be just a Manchester affair, and believes that 'big-spending' Chelsea and 'wounded' Arsenal will be in the mix for league dominance.

"I don't think it will be just between ourselves and Manchester United. I think Chelsea will buy more players and Arsenal will change after losing Robin van Persie. They have bought good players," the Daily Express quoted Mancini, as saying.

"Liverpool have had a change of manager and will probably be better than last season. Tottenham could be there but certainly Chelsea and Arsenal, meaning a fight maybe involving four or five teams," he added.

Mancini swept aside the euphoria of May's amazing title-winning finale in the Premier League.

The City boss, who enters the season with the security of a new five-year contract, admitted City have a long way to go before taking a place among the European greats.

"Clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona have won many Champions Leagues and titles. If we work well, maybe we can stay with these teams in the future. I don't think we can change history in five years, maybe over 20, 25," he said. (ANI)