Inter Milan manager Roberto Mancini has been given a vote of confidence by club owner Erick Thohir - just three weeks before the Italian giants face Celtic in the Europa League.

The former Manchester City boss is little over two months into his second spell in charge of the Nerazzurri after replacing Walter Mazzarri in November, but has claimed just three wins in 12 games in all competitions. With Inter toiling in 10th place in Serie A, Mancini felt the brunt of the fans' dissatisfaction following a dismal 1-0 defeat at home to Torino on Sunday afternoon.

However, Thohir is adamant Mancini is not under pressure ahead of the crunch European clash against the Hoops next month. He said: "We signed him [Mancini] for three-and-a-half years, and longer if he wants. That remains the case. We want the team to have stability, because as I've said before, building a team takes years.

"This is why we've focused on Mancini, he shares our vision, and has the same desire to improve the team."

With Inter languishing in mid-table mediocrity, the Europa League arguably represents their best chance to secure continental qualification next term, with the competition's winner qualifying for next season's Champions League. And Thohir hopes his side will sweep aside Celtic over two legs - to be played on the 19 and 26 of February - before lifting the trophy in Warsaw.

He added: "I can see that the Europa League is a tough competition - we want to compete as long as we can and now we will face Celtic in the round of 32. We want to win, progress further and become champions"