Source: Daily_Mail
Shay Given claims Manchester City can send out Champions League message
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.[LNB]Following their 2-0 defeat at Chelsea, City look set to fight it out with Tottenham for the final qualifying spot.[LNB]Spurs could finish outside the qualification zone and rob City 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.[LNB] Europe calling: Given hopes to be welcoming Barcelona to Eastlands next season[LNB]However, just like last season, a late-season Premier League meeting at Eastlands could prove decisive.[LNB]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.[LNB]'It would be a huge statement to other European clubs,' Given told Abu Dhabi-based newspaper The National.[LNB]'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.[LNB]'The club would be able to attract more players in the summer and keep some of the ones we already have happy.[LNB]'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.'[LNB] Race is on: City and Tottenham will fight it out for fourth spot[LNB]With just two wins from their last seven league games, City's title aspirations have disappeared.[LNB]However, they still have an FA Cup semi-final with Manchester United on the horizon and while fourth place does not bring a trophy, the prize is hardly insignificant.[LNB]'We started the season wanting to win the league, you've got to aim high,' said Given.[LNB]'It looks like we're going to fall a bit short of that. The next best thing is to get in the Champions League. Nobody wants to finish fourth, they want to finish at the top.[LNB]'But as the season has progressed we've dropped too many points and it looks as though the most realistic chance is the Champions League.'[LNB] City set to launch summer bid to bring Wolves' Hennessey back to EastlandsRedknapp concedes City are favourites to claim final Champions League spotI need help! Man City bad boy Balotelli turns to Italy boss over anger issuesAll the latest Manchester City news, features and opinion[LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People: Shay Given, Harry Redknapp Places: Barcelona, Europe
