Swansea boss Paulo Sousa has set his sights on becoming a Premier League manager and says it remains the world's strongest domestic competition.Manchester United and Arsenal were knocked out of the Champions League this week, leading to some pundits to suggest the league is in decline.
But former Portugal midfielder Sousa refutes that suggestion and says the Premier League is simply the best.
He said: "I have the ambition to manage a Premier League club in the future."
Sousa and the Swans hope that will be in charge of the Liberty Stadium side, who continue their Championship play-off challenge against Bristol City on Saturday at Ashton Gate, where they have not won since 1993.
Sir Alex Ferguson's Man Utd and Arsene Wenger's Arsenal saw their European hopes die in midweek, the former losing to Bayern Munich while the Gunners suffered as Messi struck four times for Barcelona.
Sousa needs to learn to mix it a bit. Stick with his tried and tested for away games, and be a bit more adventurous at home
The Lone Rangel
Sousa played for Benfica, Sporting Lisbon, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, Parma, Panathinaikos and Espanyol during an outstanding career.
He said: "There's a lot of quality players and managers here in England and intensity.
"But sometimes if you have a bad day or a bad moment, it can cost the possibility of having one special English club in the final.
"But for me it's the league team in the world and that is the reason the best managers come to it - they want to come to England to manage clubs.
"They also have the chance to have the best players. The league has a mix of playing styles and I think that is the reason there are always full stadiums with a lot of emotion and a lot of passion.
"I think the football's in the heart here and for that I keep thinking it's the best league in the world.
We've proved already this season we can break records We always control most parts of the games
Paulo Sousa
"I've invested a lot to come here. I believe in my knowledge. I believe I can achieve a good level.
"I have the ambition to manage a Premier League club in the future - it's something that's got to happen."
In the meantime Sousa is focused on the clash in Bristol and is confident his side can succeed.
He said: "We've proved already this season we can break records. We always control most parts of the games.
"Normally we have more chances than our opponents and we can be full of confidence against Bristol... this is the mentality I want for my players."
Source: BBC Sport
Source: BBC Sport