Manchester City have climbed into the UEFA top ten for the first time in their history.
Pep Guardiola 's side sit 9th in the rankings for club competitions this season - the highest position of any English club with Arsenal down in 11th, Chelsea in 13th and United in 16th.
European football's governing body sorts each team based on their performances in continental competition over five seasons combined with the strength of their domestic league.
Despite a Champions League exit to Monaco last season that was earlier than the manager expected, the Blues have been recognised for four consecutive years of appearances in the knockout rounds of the competition, including a run to the semi-finals in 2016.
Since leaping into the top 20 in 2014, City have continued to progress and now appear in the top 10 for the first time by moving ahead of Arsenal, Chelsea and Benfica.
That should consolidate City's position among Europe's elite sides as they strive to reach a first Champions League final.
The club's third place finish in the Premier League in Guardiola's first season at the Etihad Stadium ensures that City progress straight to the competition's group stage next term, rather than having to play a qualifying round as they did 12 months' ago.
And the high co-efficient means City will be seeded in pot two for the group stage draw, meaning they will avoid the likes of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
That will please Guardiola, as he plots an assault on multiple trophies at home and abroad.
Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has made no secret of the club's ambitions on the European stage, as well as in the Premier League.
No comments:
Post a Comment