Nigel de Jong claims Manchester City's ambition does not stop at claiming a UEFA Champions League place.
City star issues title tilt rally call
Nigel de Jong claims Manchester City's ambition does not stop at claiming a UEFA Champions League place, but rather they are gunning for the title.
Monday night's stylish rout of Blackburn at Eastlands pushed City up to fourth and continued Roberto Mancini's immaculate start to life in England.
Faltering form at the back end of Mark Hughes' tenure has seemingly been laid to rest, as the blue side of Manchester give their neighbours at Old Trafford something to think about.
In-form De Jong has played a key role in the club's charge up the table and the Dutchman feels that should they continue in the same vein, a title tilt will not be beyond them.
"Of course the title is a possibility. Nothing is impossible," said De Jong.
"Though nothing is impossible, you have to work for it. You have to be realistic as well and remember this is only season No.1 for us after the big spending and we have to take it step by step.
"That's what it's all about at City at the moment, to try and make a difference between the past and the future. Right now you can see what's happening. Everyone is excited. It was a good performance against Blackburn and we've got to keep that going.
"Of course we can stay in the top four. You see how big the squad is. It's not only the first 11 but the 22 players in the squad. The important thing is the Champions League place and trying to continue in that position. Then, we will see in March and April where we are standing."
Tevez key
Key to City's success could be Carlos Tevez, with the diminutive Argentine having already struck as many goals for his new club as he did for United in the whole of last season.
A stunning hat-trick against Blackburn took his tally to 15 and De Jong believes Sir Alex Ferguson may well now be rueing the one that got away.
"Carlos is on fire at the moment - I hope it will continue for the rest of the season" De Jong continued.
"Some people have a different view of Carlos but if they look at him now then they will change their mind.
"He had a hat-trick against Blackburn but he's unbelievable in every game. He makes players around him better as well.
"Look at the impact he's had in the last few weeks - he's not Player of the Month for December without good reason. At the moment he's maybe the best striker in the Premier League."
