Yaya Toure: Manchester City must win Champions League to gain others' respect

Aug 14, 2012 9:19:00 AM

Roberto Mancini's midfield general says that the champions will not truly be a big club until they lift Europe's top prize, even if they retain their Premier League crown

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure believes that the club must get their hands on the Champions League trophy if they are to be considered among Europe's elite.

Roberto Mancini's team wrestled the Premier League crown from their neighbours Manchester United courtesy of Sergio Aguero's 93rd-minute winner against QPR at the Etihad Stadium on the final day of last season.

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Their European campaign, however, ended at the first hurdle as they failed to progress past Group A after finishing behind Bayern Munich and Napoli, and the Ivorian, who has previously won the continent's top prize with Barcelona, has set his sights on a repeat with City.

"We need to go further and win the Champions League to get the respect of other clubs," the midfielder told reporters. "We need to win a couple of cups.

"It will be tough but I have a lot of confidence in the squad. We were missing the experience last time in the Champions League. Now we have some of that experience and the right mentality.

"The Champions League is not like other competitions, as you have those three games at home and three away.

"You have to make sure you win your home games and get a couple of points away."

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City clinched the first trophy of the season by beating reigning European champions Chelsea 3-2 at Villa Park to lift the Community Shield on Sunday and Toure is confident that his side can emulate the success of Roberto Di Matteo's team on the continental stage.

"Last year we had 10 points [in the group stage], which would normally take you to the second round," said the former Barca man. "But I hope this season will be different as the lads are already excited to start the Champions League.

"You look at our rivals - Chelsea and United have both appeared in the final, so I hope this year we can go far, and even win it."

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