Yaya Toure believes that it is time for Manchester City to step up its game and progress past the Champions League group stage.
The Ivorian stated that his team needed to learn from past years to take that next step.
"We want to survive the group stage, and everything else will be bonus games," the 30-year-old midfielder said, according to ESPN. "Everyone wants to be better, as we have the team for it. I hope the draw is better than in the past."
"Manchester United has a strong team. Us too, but we still need to learn in Europe," he added. "But it is our third participation. I hope everything works out and we can get as far as possible."
City is qualifying for its third straight Champions League run but has had the misfortune of being in two straight "Groups of Death." In 2011-12, the English side drew Napoli, Bayern Munich, and Villareal. City managed three wins, one draw, and one loss, but finished third behind Munich and Napoli. Last year was not as successful. The team drew a group with Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, and Ajax Amsterdam. Manchester failed to win a single game and finished with three points in six matches.
"I have always stressed that I want to be part of the history of this club. I have won quite a lot, but I want to win as much as possible. Manchester City is a great club with super supporters, with great people working there. Everyone wants the club to develop -- that is fantastic for me," Toure added.
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