Roberto Mancini has claimed that Rafael Benitez's appointment at Chelsea means that Manchester City are in for an even tougher match this weekend.

The European champions sacked Roberto Di Matteo on Wednesday before replacing him with the ex-Liverpool boss on an interim basis until the end of the season.

Rather than unsettle the Blues ranks, Mancini believes that the managerial change will give Chelsea extra motivation for City's visit to Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

"Usually when one team changes a manager, the game after for the opponents is very difficult," said Mancini.

"For us, I think it is more difficult. Chelsea are one of the best teams in England, in Europe. They have won everything in the last 10 years.

"Playing against them in London is always a good game. To win there would be important for us. Chelsea is a good team with Di Matteo and will be a good team for Benitez. They have good players."

City go into the fixture four points ahead of Chelsea at the top of the Premier League table.