New Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini wants to lift the Premier League title next season, he said yesterday.

Speaking at his first news conference since replacing Mark Hughes at the world's richest football club, the 45-year-old Italian wasted no time setting his targets.

"Next season we want to win the Premier League," said Mancini who revived Inter's fortunes by claiming three successive Serie A titles from 2006-08.

"My target this season is to arrive in the top four. I think it's possible. I hope to stay here for many, many years and win many trophies because I think City has great supporters."

Mancini, sacked by Inter at the end of the 2007-08 season, was named City manager in whirlwind fashion on Saturday after Hughes was sacked following the 4-3 home win over Sunderland.

Chief executive Garry Cook said the club first discussed a change of manager during a run of seven consecutive league draws which stalled City's early-season momentum.

"The decision to seriously look at managerial options was taken three weeks ago following the Hull City game," said Cook.

"I would like to stress Roberto was only offered the job after the Spurs game (a 3-0 defeat last Wednesday)."

Mancini said he had sympathy for the man he replaced but relished the prospect of trying to lead City out of the shadows of their more illustrious city rivals United.

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