Last Updated: Wed, 21 Nov 2012 10:26
Roberto Mancini insists any rivalry between himself and Jose Mourinho will count for nothing when Real Madrid visit Manchester City.
Mourinho replaced Mancini at Inter Milan in 2008 following the Italian's sacking and the pair have a perceived rivalry, despite the fact they have only faced each other once since then.
Portuguese coach Mourinho led Inter to Champions League glory, a feat Mancini never managed to achieve, and it has been suggested as the source of their rivalry, as well as the manner in which Mourinho was brought in by the Serie A giants.
However, City boss Mancini has played down any rift between himself and Real counterpart Mourinho and insists he is focused on helping his side see off the La Liga outfit on Wednesday, while congratulating the former Chelsea boss ahead of his 100th game in charge of a Champions League tie.
Mancini said: "Congratulations to him. To do 100 caps in the Champions League at his age (49) is very important, but I think it is not Mourinho against Mancini but City against Real Madrid.
"That is more important. The players are more important than us."
City have managed to pick up just two points from their four Champions League games to date and must beat both Real and Borussia Dortmund in their final two fixtures if they are to stand any chance of reaching the latter stages of the competition.
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