The big-spending Blues are determined to win some long-awaited silverware this season while qualifying for next season's UEFA Champions League and they face a challenging month ahead.
City have to play the last two games of their Europa League group stage - the first at home to Salzburg on Wednesday when they can book their place in the knock-out stage before having to face Juventus away.
The Blues also go into December five points adrift of the Premier League summit after winning just two of their last seven league games so Mancini knows a crucial period awaits.
"This month will be very important for us as we have some difficult games against strong teams," he said.
"During this spell we can understand what we must do for the future. It will be very tough because we play every three days.
"But first we must try to beat Salzburg and go through to the next stage. Then we play just two games in February (in the Europa League).
"That will give us time to concentrate on the league and that could be an important month too."
Mancini has rotated his star-studded squad for midweek games in a bid to keep his top players fresh and that is set to continue with Pablo Zabaleta available again after suspension.
Yaya Toure could also come into contention after missing Saturday's 1-1 draw at Stoke with a migraine while England left-back Wayne Bridge may also return having struggled with injury all season.
"He is available to play," Mancini said. "The problem he has is he is always injured.
"Every game he plays he cannot finish. It is usually a hamstring or a groin problem.
"He played in Salzburg but after 70 minutes he was injured. He played against Blackpool and was injured. He played against Poznan and was injured. It is impossible he can play because of this.
"Every time he was available he played. This week he is available. He is an important part of our group as he has been unlucky.
"We will change some players for tomorrow as we are playing two games in a few days but it will still be a good team."
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