Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso has told Manchester City success in football relies upon more than money.
Should City fail to progress in the Champions League, it would be the third time in four seasons that they have not got out of their group. Last season's last-16 appearance would represent their best effort - and a disappointing return for Sheikh Mansour's vast expenditure since his 2008 takeover.
City's impact may be greater in future but Alonso knows from experience, having featured in Liverpool's shock victory in 2005, that other ingredients can contribute to success.
He said: "I think football is not mathematics. There is not a determined formula that when you earn more you are buying success. Because of that you get big surprises in football.
"You have to do things properly and normally. If you do things properly you will reach success.
"What happened that year with Liverpool was a great surprise, a great miracle. I have talked about it many times, I enjoyed it. It is very different from what is going on at City right now."
