Bruce aiming for Europe

10 April 2009 15:11
Wigan manager Steve Bruce believes that his side still have a chance of qualifying for Europe at the end of the season.[LNB] The Latics are currently eighth in the Premier League and Bruce feels that the club have a realistic chance of securing a place in the UEFA Europa League, a revamped version of the Uefa Cup.[LNB]After Manchester United won the Carling Cup and the FA Cup semi-final spots have all been tied up by top-six teams, it is virtually assured that a seventh place finish will be enough to secure a European berth.[LNB]Even though Wigan's main aim of avoiding relegation has been achieved, Bruce has warned his players against late-season complacency.[LNB]"For a club of our size the priority is to stay in this league, and at the moment it looks like it's mission accomplished," he said.[LNB]"We've now seven games to go, and the last thing I want is for the players to develop a mentality of: 'We're nearly on our holidays'.[LNB]Hard Work"We've worked extremely hard to be in this position, and we want to finish the season as high as we can, rather than looking over our shoulder like we have done for the past couple of years.[LNB]"We're in with a chance of Europe, and when you have a chance, you have to try and grab it, and if we do, then we will see how we do.[LNB]"But we have to play better than we did against Everton, that's for sure."[LNB]Club captain Mario Melchiot is more hesitant, believing that the team may not have the strength to cope with a European schedule.[LNB]He said: "It would be too soon for us, but don't get me wrong, I'd love to play in Europe.[LNB]"I'm not saying it because I don't want it because if it came along I'd grab it with both hands. I'm saying it because I am realistic."[LNB]SmallBruce recognises that Wigan's squad may not be big enough for European football but thinks they should deal with that problem in the summer. [LNB]"Clubs like Aston Villa and Spurs didn't feel they were capable of mounting a real, sustained challenge (this season) because of their squad and with the amount of games, which I can understand," added Bruce.[LNB]"If we get there then we'll deal with it. We owe it to ourselves to have a crack, even if some people may think we're not ready in terms of numbers.[LNB]"That is a problem because I think we've arguably the smallest first-team squad of just 22 players, and that includes three goalkeepers.[LNB]"It is a very small squad to deal with, so to try and pitch in another 15 games on top of what we already have, then it's very difficult and I can understand where he (Melchiot) is coming from.[LNB]"But we've seven games left, with five of those against teams in the bottom half of the table and we could easily pick up 10 or 11 points, so we've a chance. Let's give it a go."[LNB]

Source: SKY_Sports