Micah Richards has revealed that he would be disappointed if Manchester City miss out on a place in the Champions League.
Richards said a Europa League slot would be a scant consolation prize, given the club’s ambition and resources.
City invested heavily in the summer after finishing 10th last season and Richards insists getting into Europe’s top club competition would be the only barometer of their progress.
“With the players we have and the way we have been playing this season fourth would be right,” said the defender.
“Obviously Tottenham have done well but if it was the Europa League the lads would be a bit devastated as we have worked so hard this season. We deserve more than that.
“As a club we would heartbroken but if we do not make it we would just roll our sleeves up for next season.
“When you have people who have played Champions League football, they know what it is about and they know what is needed to get there.”