Manchester – Reuters
Manchester City coach Pep Cardiola says his team must win the Champions League to gain world recognition, but is “very happy” with what the Premier League champions have achieved so far.
He has led Cardiola City to three Premier League titles, four league trophies and one FA Cup since taking charge in 2016, but despite reaching the final last year, he is yet to be crowned European champion.
So far, City have won three titles this season, coming from Liverpool to the FA Cup semi-finals and Champions League quarter-finals, highlighting the Premier League by one point.
“Sometimes to be happy, to be happy on the inside is to get compliments from the outside, that’s nonsense,” Cardiola told British media before Liverpool hosted their domestic rivals late Sunday. We have not achieved anything in Europe, we have not won the Champions League and I agree with most that what they say may be right. In order to gain world recognition abroad, we must conquer Europe.
And the Spanish coach added: “Will it happen? I do not know, I’m very happy with what we have achieved so far. At first we were just having fun. We did a lot, a lot of good things, and I feel that way.
If City beat Liverpool late on Sunday, it will surpass it by four points with seven games remaining, while Liverpool’s victory will push them to the top of the competition at the expense of its opponent.