Igor Thiago has expressed his firm belief that Brentford can secure a spot in the Champions League next season. The Brazilian striker, speaking exclusively to Mirror Football, backed his team to achieve the remarkable feat as they prepare to face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Champions League Dream Alive
Thomas Frank's side are chasing European qualification, and with sixth place potentially becoming a Champions League berth if Aston Villa win the Europa League and finish fifth, Brentford are full of confidence. Thiago insists that victory over the treble-chasing City would further strengthen their belief.
"Yes, absolutely because it will give us extra confidence. There's no doubt. Being able to beat such a big team would be a huge achievement, an incredible achievement," Thiago said.
Unthinkable Achievement
When asked if Brentford can reach Europe, Thiago had no doubts. "I believe so because we have been working hard for that every day. I believe this is going to happen."
The 23-year-old has been one of the Premier League's standout performers this season, scoring 22 goals since his £30 million move from Club Brugge. He follows in the footsteps of Brentford's famous strikers like Ollie Watkins and Bryan Mbeumo, using them as inspiration.
"Looking at these players, that's what inspires me to score these numbers. At the beginning, this was a source of pressure because they all scored so high, 20 goals or more. It felt tough to make that same level but it was pressure but not in a negative sense. It was a source of inspiration," he added.
Thiago described his season as "amazing" and a chance to prove himself. "It's been incredible. We just need to keep going now and keep our belief."
