Source: PA
Given: Champions League would enhance City status
Shay Given believes Manchester City will be sending out a significant statement of intent if they can secure a place in next season's Champions League.
It once again looks like a straight fight between City and Tottenham for that all-important fourth spot in the Barclays Premier League following Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Chelsea.
Spurs could finish outside the qualification zone and rob City anyway by winning the Champions League, but that looks a tall order for Harry Redknapp's men, who would have to beat Real Madrid and more than likely have to overcome Barcelona in the semi-finals just to make it to the Wembley final.
However, just like last season, a late-season Premier League meeting at Eastlands could prove decisive. Last term it was Tottenham who came out on top but Given feels if City manage it this term, it would be a warning to Europe's top clubs that the Blues have arrived.
"It would be a huge statement to other European clubs," Given told Abu Dhabi-based newspaper The National. "It would show we are going to be around for a long time and that we are going to be the team to watch over the coming years. The club would be able to attract more players in the summer and keep some of the ones we already have happy.
"Everyone wants to play in the Champions League. It would have been fantasy stuff to the fans a few years ago to think City might have teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid at Eastlands. Now there is a realistic chance of it happening."
