Man City season a 'failure' if they don't win Premier League, says Jamie Redknapp after Barcelona loss

Manchester City's season is on the brink of 'absolute failure' following their Champions League exit to Barcelona, says Jamie Redknapp.

Manuel Pellegrini's men were unable to overturn their first leg deficit at the Nou Camp on Wednesday night as goals from Lionel Messi and Dani Alves condemned them to a 4-1 aggregate defeat.

Their European disappointment comes just days after a shock FA Cup loss at home to Wigan and Sky Sports pundit Redknapp says, with City trailing Chelsea by nine points with three games in hand in the Premier League, their season is quickly unravelling.

City have added the Capital One Cup to their trophy cabinet, with victory over Sunderland earlier this month, but Redknapp reckons the club should be winning more silverware, given the money and talent at their disposal.

"[It would be an] absolute failure [if City only won one trophy this season] because of the money they've spent previously and the quality of the players they've had," said Redknapp.

"It started off so well for Pellegrini but the goals have dried up of late and it's been a difficult run for them. Now they have to gather themselves.

"Performances against the big clubs haven't really been a problem this year, it's been the games against the likes of Cardiff, Aston Villa and Wigan in the cup where they've let themselves down.

"It's the motivation Pellegrini needs to be aware of and get more out of his team. They've got Hull away at the weekend and that is one of those banana skins.

"They've got to pick themselves up because if they don't end up with the Premier League as well it's a huge disappointment.

"I do think it's a matter of time before City win the Champions League because of the investment they've had. But the problem you've got is when you've invested hundreds and hundreds of millions of pounds it looks like the only thing they're going to have at the end of the season is the Capital One Cup.

"They should be achieving this and they should be competing with the money they've spent - but even going further than this."

Comfortable

Graeme Souness credited City's approach in Spain, though, and said their display was a significant improvement on their 2-0 first leg loss at home.

However, he believes Barcelona - although not among his favourites to win the Champions League - were always comfortable against City.

"If you're a City supporter you've got to be happy with that because they came here and they didn't try to nick the game," he said.

They tried to take Barcelona on at their own game, passing and moving and tried to be on the front foot all the time and for that they deserve great credit.

"But Barcelona were good enough to win and I thought they always had another gear.

"At 2-0 you're through, you don't have to bust a gut. Time and time again the likes of Messi, who would usually drive at the back four, was going square.

"Barcelona found themselves in a comfortable position. City were spirited and they were far better than they were in the first game. They can also point to the fact they should have had a penalty, Victor Valdes' save from Edin Dzeko and their other chances - but so can Barcelona.

"Barcelona are a bit short of where they need to be to beat Real Madrid and Bayern Munich right now, though, in my opinion. I think it's between Real and Bayern - but we're talking three months away."