And the Holland midfielder believes they could get their hands on the FA Cup this season. City entertain npower Championship side Reading on Saturday with a place at Wembley in the semi-finals at stake.
"We have to think about only the game and not the things which surround it," De Jong said. "The fans obviously really want to win a trophy. So do we. We know all about the history of this club so we know how long it's been (since a cup was secured). We are often reminded about it. Everyone knows what's at stake."
He added: "You need that spark to go on. For us, that spark could be any cup.
"It doesn't matter which - the league, the FA Cup, the Europa League. It would be something to make the guys hungry for more success.
"We'd love it if it could be this year and, yes, it looks like the quickest way could be the FA Cup."
Source: PA
Source: PA