Wednesday, 11th May, 2011
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has saluted his players after they defeated Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 last night to secure Champions League football at Eastlands for next season.
With the victory, provided by a Peter Crouch own goal, City cannot be caught by Harry Redknapp’s side and can now look forward to Saturday’s FA Cup final secure in the knowledge that next season they will be playing amongst Europe’s elite.
And for Mancini the feat was the realisation of the task laid out for him upon becoming City boss in 2009.
"When I arrived I said in two or three years Manchester City will become one of the top teams in Europe. We have everything to do this", explained the City boss.
The Italian also believes his players thoroughly deserve to be in the Champions League following a stop-start season which has, nevertheless, seen the side remain a constant in the top four.
"When you have a target and get it, it is very important for your job.
"This is the first time [in the Champions League] and we have got it because the players wanted it. We have the players who deserve to play in it."
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