Manchester City are 'optimistic' of winning quadruple and joining English football's 'big teams', says Yaya Toure

Touré wants to see City maintain their momentum across all four fronts

Yaya Touré has been present for every triumph of the Sheikh Mansour era (Getty)

Yaya Touré is confident that Manchester City can maintain their momentum on all four fronts, win an unprecedented quadruple this season and join the ranks of English football’s historic “big teams” this season.

City’s bid to claim Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and EFL Cup honours remains on course after Tuesday night’s semi-final first leg win over Bristol City in the latter of those four competitions.

If Pep Guardiola’s side avoid defeat at Ashton Gate in two weeks’ time, they will be assured of a place in the final at Wembley against either Arsenal or Chelsea, when they could win the tournament for the third time in five years.

Touré was present for both the 2014 and 2016 EFL Cup triumphs and has claimed every winners’ medal of the Sheikh Mansour era so far, with two Premier League titles and an FA Cup crown to boot.

The Ivorian does, however, believe that City must win more in to be considered among one of English football’s historic elite, which he believes includes the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and rivals Manchester United.

“We want to be a big team in England,” he said after Tuesday’s win. “United have been there a long time and have that history, like Chelsea and even Arsenal.

“To be that big team we have to win trophies and do well in Europe – so we need to keep momentum.”

On the prospect of the quadruple itself, Touré said he and his team-mates believe they can become the first English club to win four major trophies in a single season.

At present, United are the only team to have come close to the feat – lifting the Premier League, the League Cup, the Club World Cup and the Community Shield in the 2008-09 season.

“We are optimistic,” Touré said. “We know it’s going to be difficult because the Premier League is so tough and now the FA Cup has come as well, but we aim to do the max we can.

“We can see where we are going but if we can continue to win games like this, maybe. We will see.”