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. The big-spending Eastlands outfit finished fifth in the top-flight last year, 19 points off champions Chelsea and three behind fourth-placed Spurs.But Roberto Mancini's side have already significantly strengthened again this summer, splashing out £60m on David Silva, Yaya Toure and Jerome Boateng.This comes on top of last year's spending spree and Given believes the pressure is now on to deliver trophies.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. "City have the backing to challenge the top teams in England and even in Europe in years to come. "I don't want to say we are going into the league to finish fourth. "We are going in to win it and if we don't, the next thing will be the top four. "But with our squad, we've got to be looking to challenge Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal." 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.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. "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." Given knows others are envious of the club's spending power but insists City have got to focus on the job in hand.He added: "A lot of people are jealous because they'd love to have the backing City have. That's human nature. "But I was at Blackburn when people said they bought the title. Yes, they bought some quality players like Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton. "But they also had a nucleus of good squad players."

Source: Team_Talk