Dietmar Hamann believes the recent break has come at an ideal time, as Manchester City prepare for a final push for European qualification.City's derby-day success last weekend at Old Trafford has once again got the blue faithful dreaming of European excursions next season.

And while the majority of City's players would have been eager to build on a fine result, wise old head Hamann is armed with a differing perspective.

The 34-year-old is convinced that the break provided those not involved in FA Cup exertions at the weekend with an ideal an opportunity to re-charge the batteries.

"We played a lot of games over Christmas, so with having a few days off, we hope that we will come back fresh for the final 12 games," he told the Manchester Evening News.

"We need to finish in a position which gets us into Europe next year."

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