Matheus Nunes says Champions League spot is Manchester City’s Premier League trophy

Nunes admits Man City’s campaign below standards but sees top-four finish as key achievement.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola speaks with Matheus Nunes following the team's Premier League win over Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, on April 22, 2025. Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Manchester City midfielder Matheus Nunes has called a top-four finish in the Premier League “our Premier League trophy,” underlining the shift in expectations for Pep Guardiola’s side after a turbulent domestic season. With the title all but out of reach, Nunes emphasized that securing a Champions League spot is Manchester City’s Premier League trophy this year, a reflection of the club’s recalibrated goals after an uncharacteristically inconsistent campaign.

Nunes’ comments came after he netted a dramatic stoppage-time winner against Aston Villa, a goal that catapulted City into third place and bolstered their hopes of playing in next season’s Champions League. The 1-0 victory on Tuesday night at the Etihad lifted City four points clear of seventh-placed Villa, giving them breathing space as the race for European qualification intensifies.

Title race out of reach, but Champions League still within grasp

Liverpool are closing in on the Premier League title, with Arsenal well-positioned in second. That leaves Manchester City, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Newcastle, and Nottingham Forest jostling for the remaining Champions League spots. Given the likely extension of Champions League places to five English clubs due to UEFA coefficient rankings, the pressure to finish strong is immense.

At the beginning of the season, Manchester City were aiming for an unprecedented fifth consecutive league title. But their campaign has been marred by a prolonged dip in form starting from late October, with injuries and tactical instability compounding their issues. Despite a strong squad led by Guardiola, City have struggled for consistency, and their title challenge faded rapidly by March.

Now, with only a handful of matches left, their focus has narrowed. A Champions League berth remains a crucial objective—not just for the club's global stature, but also for its financial planning and summer transfer strategy.

Nunes: “This is our Premier League trophy”

Matheus Nunes, who joined Manchester City from Wolverhampton Wanderers, described the emotional significance of Tuesday’s goal—his first in the Premier League for the club. But more importantly, he conveyed what qualifying for Europe’s elite competition now means to the dressing room.

“This is our Premier League trophy now, to qualify for the Champions League,” the 26-year-old Portugal international said after the match. “I think it's massively important for us, in terms of everything—the club, the players, the mentality.”

The statement reflects both ambition and resignation. Nunes acknowledged that while qualifying for the Champions League would offer some validation, it would not erase the sense of underachievement that has hung over City’s season.

Below standards but determined to fight

City’s high standards under Guardiola—fueled by record-breaking domestic success and last season’s treble—mean that anything less than silverware is viewed as a failure. Nunes did not shy away from that reality.

“The club’s standards are much higher than this,” he admitted. “We know this is not the standard we want this club to be at. But this is our reality now, and we have to accept it. And we just have to go for it like it's the Champions League, the Premier League trophy.”

His comments suggest that while the players remain hungry, they are also keenly aware of how far they’ve fallen short of expectations. That awareness could serve as a motivator in the crucial weeks ahead.

FA Cup semifinal offers hope for silverware

Despite a rocky league campaign, Manchester City’s season is far from over. They face Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup semifinal this Sunday at Wembley, a clash that provides a fresh chance for silverware. A victory there would propel them into the final, potentially salvaging a trophy from an otherwise underwhelming year.

The FA Cup remains one of the few tangible goals left for City, who exited the Carabao Cup early and are no longer in contention for the Premier League title. For Guardiola, the cup provides an opportunity to end the season on a high note and possibly rebuild momentum heading into the next campaign.

Champions League consistency still vital

For Manchester City, maintaining their streak of qualifying for the Champions League—now approaching its 15th consecutive season—is about more than just prestige. The club’s ambitions hinge on remaining competitive at the highest level of European football.

Commercial partnerships, top-tier recruitment, and global brand positioning are all interlinked with their Champions League participation. A season outside the competition would be a significant setback, particularly for a club so deeply invested in elite-level performance.

That’s why Nunes’ statement that the Champions League spot is Manchester City’s Premier League trophy resonates beyond mere words. It is a reflection of the minimum bar that defines City’s current reality.

Guardiola’s role in the closing stretch

Pep Guardiola has acknowledged the challenges of this season, but he remains confident that his squad can still deliver. He is likely to lean heavily on experienced figures like Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri, and Bernardo Silva in the season’s final push, while players like Nunes have shown they are ready to step up.

The manager’s tactical nous will also be tested, especially as injuries and fixture congestion continue to strain squad depth. Rotation will be crucial, and players will need to deliver consistently in what remains of the campaign.

Looking beyond this season

While this season may not end with a league title, Guardiola and his staff will likely treat it as a turning point. Tactical adaptations, player development, and squad reinforcements will be key themes heading into the summer.

For players like Nunes, this stretch of high-stakes matches could be pivotal in determining their role next season. Scoring decisive goals and demonstrating the mental resilience to handle pressure could cement their place in Guardiola’s evolving system.

Final weeks define the narrative

Manchester City now face a defining period. With the Champions League spot being their Premier League trophy, every match carries added significance. Whether it’s Sunday’s FA Cup semifinal or the final league fixtures against rivals vying for Europe, the pressure will be relentless.

But pressure is nothing new for City. If anything, it’s what has forged their recent era of dominance. What’s different now is the shift in expectations—from chasing glory to securing respectability.

For Nunes and his teammates, the mission is clear: finish strong, qualify for Europe, and salvage pride in a season that has tested them like few others.