Quality promise from Khaldoon

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has promised “high-quality” signings this summer after admitting the team failed to match expectations last season.

City mounted an underwhelming defence of the Barclays Premier League title they won in 2014, capitulating in the second half of the campaign and failing to challenge champions Chelsea.

They also flopped in both domestic cup competitions, while their Champions League challenge was ended at the last–16 stage for a second straight season by Barcelona.

Manuel Pellegrini’s men did recover to secure the runners–up spot in the Premier League — and Khaldoon recognises that relative success in the club’s history — but ambitious owner Sheikh Mansour is aiming much higher.

Pellegrini’s position as manager appears to be safe but a significant injection of fresh faces to the squad is planned.

Khaldoon said: “We have a great nucleus here and we want to preserve this nucleus, but at the same time we want to go the next level.

“We want a squad that is able and has the capability and quality to win the Premier League, compete and win the Champions League, compete and be able to go all the way in two cup competitions in England.

“I think you will see some changes. You will see some players who have served us well and maybe it is time for them to move to their next challenge, and you will see us in the market bringing high–quality individuals that fit within what we are aspiring to coming in this summer.

“I can assure you the squad will be stronger, the team will be more competitive. I am both confident and excited about what is coming next year.

“I want the disappointment of last year behind me, behind us all. We have all turned the page.

“The energy right now is positive, the energy towards getting back on track, winning that Premier League and getting a better performance in the Champions League.

“This is absolutely what is driving all of us right now.”