Champions League failure won’t spark Inter exit, says Mancini

Roberto Mancini said he would remain as coach of Inter Milan even if Serie A's last Champions League winners once again fail to qualify for the competition next season. – Reuters file pic, March 11, 2016. Roberto Mancini said he would remain as coach of Inter Milan even if Serie A's last Champions League winners once again fail to qualify for the competition next season.

Inter, who secured an historic treble under Jose Mourinho in 2010, are desperate to secure a third-place finish that would offer the possibility of Champions League football for the first time since their defeat to Marseille in the last 16 in 2012.

Ahead of Saturday's visit by Bologna, Mancini's men sit in fifth spot, 13 points behind leaders Juventus and five behind third-placed Roma, who themselves have a three-point lead on Fiorentina.

The Nerazzurri face stiff competition for the final Champions League qualifying berth but failure, says Mancini, would not spark his departure from the club he led to seven trophies, including three consecutive league titles, in his previous spell in charge.

"There's always motivation when you do a job that you love," said Mancini when asked if he would remain at the helm if Inter's bid fails.

"And at Inter, there is always motivation."

There are 10 games remaining in the current campaign and Inter, like sixth-placed city rivals AC Milan, face an uphill struggle if they are to snatch third spot from a resurgent Roma and a solid Fiorentina.

Mancini admits he is a fan of Bologna, the club where he started his playing career, and the former Manchester City and Galatasaray coach said he won't be underestimating Roberto Donadoni's men.

"I'm a fan of Bologna, and I'm happy they're having such a good campaign," added Mancini, whose side go to Roma in a huge match next weekend.

"They're a difficult side to come up against, so we have to really focus and make sure our heads are not already on the Roma game." – AFP, March 11, 2016.