Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has insisted that his side must go one better and reach the knockout stages of the Champions League this season.

The English champions, who begin the defence of their Premier League title on August 18 against Southampton, failed to progress passed the group phase in the European competition last season.

"Our target for the Champions League should be to go for the second stage after the group," said Mancini.

"If we go well in the Champions League, there could also be a chance that we can arrive in the quarter, semi-final or final. We will try to win it and it is important, for this, that we have a good squad."

Meanwhile, the Italian has suggested that Arsenal striker Robin van Persie is unlikely to move to the Etihad Stadium this summer.