City's ambitions hinge on CL progress

When Sheikh Mansour started pouring money into Manchester City, the mandate was pretty clear; to make progress domestically and continentally. Within 6 years of making the club one of the wealthiest in the world, Mansour now wants to see progress in Europe. And this, can only be accomplished with credible progress in Champions League.

 

The satirical remarks of critics and other managers on the club being a 'cash cow' notwithstanding, City have taken great strides and shown good progress. Roberto Mancini started the trend of winning domestic titles and Manuel Pellegrini is continuing that. City continue to be strong contenders for domestic titles this season too. 

But, Europe is uncharted waters, yet. It is no secret that the fans are yet to lap up the Champions League. The attendance to some of the games is lukewarm making critics wonder if they have the ambition to be successful. Their on-field progress isn't great either with successive group stage exits.

This season provides a flicker of hope. City entered the knock out stages after a worthy performance. Their opponent in last 16 is the familiar foe, Barcelona. The Catalan giants knocked off the Manchester hopefuls at the same stage last year. But, this year, more than any year else, they look vulnerable. 

There may never be another gilted chance for City to progress in Champions League than this year. The success of the club will surely be measured against their success in Europe. If they have to give wings to their ambitions, they surely have to progress further in the tournament. Anything less will be fodder for critics who will continue the criticism of the club and players being 'money chasers'.