MANCHESTER CITY manager Roberto Mancini set his sights set on European domination on the day of his side’s latest Champions League campaign – but stressed it was a long-term goal.

City begin their second successive season in the continent’s elite competition as the English champions having continued their remarkable progress by winning the Premier League last May.

That came after FA Cup success in 2011 brought the club a first trophy in 35 years, but while Europe might seem the next logical target, Mancini is setting no bold targets for this particular season.

Speaking at the Bernabeu Stadium ahead of his side’s mouth-watering Group D opener against Real Madrid, Mancini said: ‘‘If you drive a Ferrari you can win, if you drive a Fiat Cinquecento, probably not.

‘‘In the past we have been working for this. I think we beat good teams but we have played together for two years and we needed time.

‘‘I am sure we will arrive to win this trophy in the future.

I do not know when, but I am sure because we are working for this.

‘‘If we want to improve every year it is possible.’’ City failed to progress beyond the group stages last season having been given a tough draw against Bayern Munich, Napoli and Villarreal.

This year the assignment is even tougher with the champions of Holland and Germany, Ajax and Borussia Dortmund respectively, also lying in wait as well as ninetime European champions Real.