Birmingham City promotion is “the only option” as the Championship club attempt to close the considerable gap to rivals Aston Villa, according to Carlos Vicente.
The 27-year-old discussed Birmingham’s ambitions and the Second City rivalry before Friday’s pre-season friendly against Barcelona.
Vicente acknowledged that Villa are currently “in a good place”, having won the Europa League and qualified for the Champions League under Unai Emery.
However, the Spaniard believes Birmingham’s ownership, supporters and proposed new stadium demonstrate their determination to return to the Premier League.
Birmingham City promotion comes before Aston Villa challenge
Asked about the rivalry by SPORT, Vicente insisted Birmingham must return to the top flight before they can regularly challenge Villa.
“Anything less than promotion, or at least making the play-offs, will be a failure,” Vicente told SPORT, via Sport Witness.
He added that the club would not stop pursuing promotion, describing it as “the only option” because of Birmingham’s wider plans.
Vicente joined from Deportivo Alavés in January after Birmingham convinced him to accept a move into the Championship. He registered three goals and one assist across 18 appearances as Chris Davies frequently used him at wing-back.
Birmingham eventually finished 10th, while Villa secured fourth place in the Premier League. The final positions highlighted the significant distance between the two clubs.
Villa are now preparing for Champions League football and have continued rebuilding Emery’s squad. ReadAstonVilla’s latest transfer window assessment details the three senior additions already completed and the positions still requiring attention.
Vicente’s comments underline Birmingham’s long-term ambition, but they do not represent an immediate challenge to Villa.
The Blues must first navigate a demanding 46-match Championship season. Only promotion would place the Second City rivals in the same division and create the opportunity for Vicente’s ambitions to become relevant on the pitch.
