Lescott confident of qualification

Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott has admitted that his side have learnt their lesson from a slow start in the Champions League, and are ready to book a place in the qualification rounds against Napoli on Tuesday.

The Etihad Stadium outfit travel to take on Walter Mazzarri’s men in Naples in midweek, and will know that three points can ensure their inclusion in the knockout rounds.

After drawing with the Italians at home and getting beaten 2-0 by Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in their opening two games, Lescott feels Robert Mancini’s men have learnt their lesson.

“There’s a lot to play for and if we win we qualify though I’m sure they’ll be thinking the same kind of thing,” he told Mirror Football.

“But we need to go there knowing that if we don’t win, it’s not the end of the world. We’ve still got to play Bayern at home in our final game, but we’re confident we can beat most teams,” he stated.

Lescott expects temperamental striker Mario Balotelli to receive a hostile welcome back to Italy, but feels the forward can handle it.

“He’s played for one of the top teams over there and performed consistently for the national team, so I’m sure the fans will have something to say to him,” he concluded.

By Gareth McKnight

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