Raul Jimenez: Champions League the target for Wolves

Raul Jimenez has revealed Wolves’ Champions League ambitions and believes they can join the European elite next season.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are fighting for fifth spot domestically and have reached the last 16 of the Europa League.

Fifth could earn a Champions League place after Manchester City’s European ban while the Europa League winners will qualify.

Wolves travel to fifth-place rivals Tottenham on Sunday and, with two chances to reach the Champions League, Jimenez knows it has to be a goal.

“I’m proud of the team and what we are doing, the Champions League is achievable,” said the Mexico international.

“It’s a very big step for the club because, 18 months before, this team was in the Championship and now we’re fighting to be in the Champions League.

“We know that we have to be proud of ourselves because we are fighting for that.

“It’s very important for us, knowing that we can be disappointed if we don’t achieve it but knowing that we are now in the frame to achieve these kind of things.

“We have to be patient, intelligent in all the games. It’s a very big dream for us. I think we deserve that because we’ve been working hard and playing very well.”

Jimenez was an unused substitute in Thursday’s 3-2 Europa League defeat at Espanyol as Wolves progressed to the last 16 with a 6-3 aggregate scoreline.

They face Olympiakos, who beat Arsenal in the last 32, and Jimenez believes Wolves must target winning the competition.

“Yes, we have to think of that,” said the forward. “We have to be thinking we can touch the sky. It’s possible.

“If we do it, it’s going to be amazing. If we don’t I’m still proud of this team.

“We are confident against anyone. If we want to be the champions of the tournament then we have to be confident that you can beat anyone.

“There are some very good teams but if you want to lift the cup you have to be able to beat anyone.”

Jimenez, who has 12 Premier League goals, is likely to return to the starting line-up to face Tottenham on Sunday with Spurs a point ahead in the table.

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