Nunes: Champions League Qualification Key for Man City Season

Manchester City's Matheus Nunes has stated that qualifying for the Champions League would be akin to winning the Premier League trophy this season, given the club's struggles by their usual high standards. After securing a critical last-minute goal against Aston Villa to lift City to third in the table, Nunes emphasized the importance of Champions League qualification for the team's mentality and the club's ambitions. He acknowledged that, with Liverpool poised to win the league and City out of contention for their fifth consecutive title, their aims have shifted significantly. Despite the opportunity to end the season on a positive note with an FA Cup semi-final and potential Champions League place, Nunes was clear that these achievements would not meet City's usual standards for success. He noted that the club's expectations are much higher, but accepted that focusing on a top-five finish and cup run is their current reality. City now face a crucial run-in, with their immediate goal being a return to Europe's elite competition.