Roberto Mancini has said that he hopes that Manchester City receive no sympathy this season, since no successful side ever does.

The Italian, who insists that winning teams like Manchester United are never well-liked around the league, has told his squad not to expect any sympathy from other teams for that same exact reason.

"Every team that wins things doesn't get sympathy," he said. "Do United get sympathy from other teams? No, because United win always.

"When Arsenal won Leagues and Cups was there sympathy? No. Because every team knows that when they win they do not get sympathy.

"I hope we don't get sympathy for the next games either."

Manchester City currently lead the Premier League by five points.