Football
Jonathan Smith, Manchester City correspondent 6y

Ambitious Manchester City entering critical stretch - Kevin De Bruyne

WEST BROMWICH-- Kevin De Bruyne believes Manchester City are entering a crucial week for their ambitions for silverware this season.

City can guarantee a place in the last-16 of the Champions League with a draw away to Serie A leaders Napoli on Wednesday.

And they can guarantee a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League going into the international break on Sunday with a victory over Arsenal in a game which finishes before Manchester United, their closest rivals, face a difficult clash away to champions Chelsea.

"We know if we go to Napoli and win then we'll have qualified -- that would be a nice position," De Bruyne told reporters.

"Then hopefully another good one against Arsenal and put some pressure on the rest of the teams.

"It's important just to get qualified not about thinking about what it might mean, whether we could get a rest. If we are qualified, that is done.

"We might then have to think about finishing first or whatever but we know if we get a point or win, we are qualified."

City extended their Premier League winning streak to eight games on Saturday with a 3-2 win away to West Bromwich Albion.

They have drawn once and not been beaten this season but De Bruyne insists it is impossible for City to go all season without a defeat in the league.

"To go unbeaten? Well, it's very hard. I don't think it will be possible," he said. "The level of competition is so high, in every team.

"It's not like, with all respect, 10 or 15 years ago where you have a couple of teams that won't win against the top teams. Now, every game is hard and you need to be mentally there.

"And with the Champions League and all the cups, there will be a game where maybe we are a little bit less and maybe lose. But as long as it keeps going, it's good."

^ Back to Top ^