Man City hopes of winning Premier League title are out of their control, says Fernandinho
Sunday 13 March 2016 14:48, UK
Fernandinho has admitted Man City's title hopes are out of their hands following their goalless draw with Norwich at Carrow Road on Saturday and that finishing in the top four is now a must.
The Brazilian midfielder has conceded that City will now depend on results elsewhere after they dropped two potential points against relegation-threatened Norwich.
Fourth-placed City are now just two points clear of fifth-placed West Ham, and their draw on Saturday means Manuel Pellegrini's side now sit nine points behind leaders Leicester, who play Newcastle live on Sky Sports 1 on Monday.
Fernandinho expressed his disappointment at the result, but believes that even if the trophy may be unattainable, securing Champions League qualification with a place in the top four is crucial for City.
"Everyone is disappointed about the result. The performance wasn't what's expected, but we have to look forward," Fernandinho told City TV.
"It's tough to drop points like that. We have nine games to play and, even if we don't have the chance to be champions, we have to finish in the top four.
"There is always a chance (of the title), especially with this team. No one gives up, fight to the end. We need to wait for other results to see what position we'll be in at the end of the weekend."
City will be hoping to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the very first time when they face Dynamo Kiev on Tuesday at home. They head into the last-16 second leg with a 3-1 lead, and Fernandinho said the disappointing result against Norwich will provide motivation for his team-mates.
He added: "It is the first time we have a chance to go forward to the quarter-final. It's a big step for the club, for everyone. This [result at Norwich] should give us more motivation to play on Tuesday."
The point Norwich secured against City was just their second in 10 games, and their next four games against West Brom, Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Sunderland will largely determine if they have a Premier League future.
"We worked hard and we did a great job," defender Timm Klose said.
"It's hard to defend against Sergio Aguero because of his movement and pace, but we kept him away as much as possible.
"We know we need to strong in the next few games now, to focus and work hard as a team. That's what we must do to get away from the bottom three.
"We won't look too far ahead so will take things step by step. It's important we focus on our game next weekend for now."
