Capello backs Mancini

England manager Fabio Capello has backed his compatriot, Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini. Capello said he hopes Mancini can lead Manchester City to a top-four finish.

After an impressive start for Mancini in England, his team was hit by poor form. However, their fortune changed at Stamford Bridge when City destroyed Chelsea and got themselves back in the top-four hunt.

And Capello has hailed Mancini, saying that his fellow Italian is doing an excellent job at Eastlands.

"Mancini is working very well," said Capello. "The results are good and I hope they will arrive where the ambitions of the owner are - in the top four. It's between City, Tottenham, Liverpool and, maybe, Aston Villa."

Capello also praised Mancini's adopted style, saying that the former Inter manager has given his team the confidence to win against anyone, giving the match against Chelsea. He was also at Chelsea for that staggering win. And merely by achieving that result, Capello feels Mancini's City have earned some respect.

"Mancini has changed the style a lot from when Mark Hughes was there," he said. "Now City have more confidence and can win against anyone. I watched the game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and they played very well in the second half. It was a really important win for the players. To beat Chelsea away has not been easy for the best teams in the world."