Source: Team_Talk
City's Given sets sights on crown
Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given has warned their Premier League rivals "we are in it to win it" this season.[LNB] The big-spending Eastlands outfit finished fifth in the top-flight last year, 19 points off champions Chelsea and three behind fourth-placed Spurs.[LNB]But Roberto Mancini's side have already significantly strengthened again this summer, splashing out £60m on David Silva, Yaya Toure and Jerome Boateng.[LNB]This comes on top of last year's spending spree and Given believes the pressure is now on to deliver trophies.[LNB]He told The Sun: "We're at the point where the club has invested so much and the manager understands and knows that the pressure is on to get results and trophies. [LNB]"City have the backing to challenge the top teams in England and even in Europe in years to come. [LNB]"I don't want to say we are going into the league to finish fourth. [LNB]"We are going in to win it and if we don't, the next thing will be the top four. [LNB]"But with our squad, we've got to be looking to challenge Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal." [LNB]While some believe bringing in too many top stars could undermine the spirit of a dressing room, Given is adamant it can only be a good thing.[LNB]He said: "When you train and play with the likes of Carlos Tevez and Silva, it can only help you. Players improve their game in training. [LNB]"The headache will come for the manager when he has to pick 11. But I'd rather have a big squad than a thin one." [LNB]Given knows others are envious of the club's spending power but insists City have got to focus on the job in hand.[LNB]He added: "A lot of people are jealous because they'd love to have the backing City have. That's human nature. [LNB]"But I was at Blackburn when people said they bought the title. Yes, they bought some quality players like Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton. [LNB]"But they also had a nucleus of good squad players."
