• Champions League

Kompany: City destined to win Champions League

Manchester City found Cristiano Ronaldo and co too slick in the Champions League © PA Photos

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Vincent Kompany has told Manchester City's fans to be patient, as he is convinced Champions League success is on the horizon.

For the second season in a row, City have fallen out of the Champions League at the group stage. This term, it came with them being Premier League champions and questions are being asked of Roberto Mancini's ability to deliver European glory.

Kompany, though, believes City will replicate their domestic success on the major European stage - but says it will take time.

"I think everyone in the football world knows City are destined for greatness in the Champions League and if they don't, they would be ignoring the truth," Kompany is quoted as saying in the Daily Star. "We've proved as much in the Premier League and the fans have no reason to be impatient.

"I know they are with us, because it will come. There will be a City team that will go far in the Champions League, but you can't jump into the most difficult competition in the world and just win it.

"It takes time and it's good it's been so difficult so far because it proves you just have to be ready for it and hit the ground running."

City's focus is now on defending their Premier League crown, but they are six points adrift of Manchester United following Sunday's 3-2 defeat to the Red Devils.

"We have the ambition to improve on our achievements last season and do better again," Kompany said. "That's our aim and what we work towards every day in training. We've learned a lot from winning the title but I still think there is a lot of room for improvement."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.