Mancini frustrated by schedule

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini feels his players now face a test of their nerve as they head into January after a frustrating draw at West Brom.

Mancini's men could now begin 2012 in second place as title rivals Manchester United are in action before City play at Sunderland on New Year's Day. The trip to the Stadium of Light comes at the start of a hectic month for City, with the first of three games against Liverpool coming two days later and an FA Cup tie with United also to follow.

Mancini said: "I'm disappointed only because we play January 1 and January 3, and Liverpool play December 29 and the third against us. I'm not happy with this situation because two days in this moment is not correct."

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