Matheus Nunes says qualifying for the Champions League would be Manchester City‘s version of lifting the Premier League trophy this season, following a campaign that has fallen short of their usual high standards.
The Portuguese midfielder scored a dramatic late winner in Tuesday’s crucial clash against Aston Villa, propelling Pep Guardiola’s side to third in the Premier League table, four points clear of seventh-placed Villa.
With Liverpool closing in on the title and Arsenal firmly in second, five clubs, including Nottingham Forest, Newcastle, and Chelsea, are still vying for the remaining three Champions League qualification spots.
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For City, who were eyeing a historic fifth consecutive league title at the start of the campaign, a drop in form since late October has cost them dearly. However, there is still silverware to chase, with an FA Cup semi-final against Forest on Sunday at Wembley following closely on their vital win over Unai Emery’s men.
“This is our Premier League trophy now; to qualify for the Champions League,” said Nunes after netting his first league goal for City in his second season at the club.
“I think it’s massively important for us, in terms of everything, the club, the players, and the mentality.”
The 26-year-old acknowledged, however, that securing a top-four finish and potentially lifting the FA Cup would not make this season a success by the club’s lofty standards.
“The club’s standards are much higher than this,” he admitted. “We know this is not the standard we want this club to be at.
“But this is our reality now, and we have to accept it. We just have to go for it like it’s the Champions League or the Premier League trophy.”
