Nicolas Pepe eyes Champions League qualification with Villarreal

Ivory Coast international Nicolas Pepe has revealed his desire to see Spanish outfit Villarreal qualify for the UEFA Champions League campaign next season.

The Yellow Submarine currently sit third in LaLiga, chasing a return to the Champions League after the heartbreak of last season’s early group-stage exit.

“It’s important for Villarreal to qualify for the Champions League again because before that, before last year, before this year, we were really keen to qualify. Unfortunately, this year we didn’t have a big journey in the Champions League,” the former Arsenal player told Flashscore.

‘The best thing is to stay third’

“In LaLiga, we really want to qualify to give the fans what they deserve, which is the Champions League. So, for now, we’re in third. The best thing is to stay third and stay like that until the end of the season.”

On whether Villarreal are ready to compete in Champions League, he said: “I don’t think we can do worse than we did this year. So, with what we’ve produced this year, I think we can only do better. We played Manchester City, Tottenham and Juventus. We played big matches.

“For most players, including myself, it was the first Champions League. We gained a bit more experience. I think that the season to come, if we make it to the Champions League, we’ll do better.”

Pepe backs Arsenal to win title

The winger further discussed the Premier League where he backed Arsenal to pip Manchester City to the title.

“Honestly, I think it will be about details. They still have the Champions League to play, so there is that to manage. City have nothing to do, I think they only have the Premier League now, so they will be focused on the Premier League,” he said.

“But it will really depend on the details because I think the difference is one goal. I think Arsenal will end up champions, but really, it’s a pity losing to City.”

Pepe has made 30 appearances for Villarreal so far this season, scoring five goals and registering four assists. Pepe, who was born in France to Ivorian parents, made his debut for the Ivory Coast national team in 2016.

He was selected for the Africa Cup of Nations in 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023, winning the 2023 tournament.