Roberto Mancini: Qualifying for the Champions League is an ‘important moment’ for Manchester City

Roberto Mancini, Manchester City (Getty Images)

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Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has congratulated his players after they beat Tottenham 1-0 at Eastlands to confirm at least a top four finish in the Premier League, thus securing Champions League football for next season.

A Peter Crouch own goal was enough for victory and speaking after the game, the Italian praised his staff for their efforts throughout the season.

“Congratulations to all the players because I think they did a fantastic Premier League, we have got fourth position now and we have another two games to go,” he told Sky Sports.

“For me it is an important moment because I am sure that all our supporters, all the people who work in the club are very happy because we have worked for this for one year. We get this, we are happy and I am happy for all the supporters.”

The result leaves City just two points behind Arsenal in third place, with two games still to play, and Mancini refused to rule out leap-frogging the Gunners in the table.

“Everything is possible in two games, but I think we threw away three points on Saturday when we lost to Everton, I don’t know how that was possible,” he added.

“We want to try to finish third. It is important we recover in the next few days for the cup final.

“We wanted to play in the Champions League because we have fantastic players, to stay in first to fourth position I think we deserve this. I think absolutely we wanted this.”

Next up for Mancini’s men is a trip to Wembley on Saturday for the FA Cup final against Stoke City with their manager admitting that Carlos Tevez has an outside chance of playing.

“I don’t know if Tevez will play, we have four days and now we will see if Carlos will be available for 90 minutes,” he said.

“He has shown he is not 100%, but it was important today he played some minutes without a problem. Gareth Barry – I think he will be available.”

The Italian also insisted that qualifying for the Champions League had always been his team’s top priority throughout the season.

“When we started our season, the first target was Champions League,” he explained.

“Fourth position, improve the position from last year and if its possible to arrive in one of the two finals, but the first important thing was Champions League.”