James Milner knows Man City must ignore their critics if they are to achieve their targets this season.
City midfielder feels title tilt is possible as squad continues to gel
James Milner knows Manchester City must ignore their critics if they are to achieve their goals this season.
The Blues have become an easy target for cynics, with their elaborate spending drawing envious glances from afar.
Any performance deemed to be below par is dissected in minute detail, with the City players and coaching staff vilified.
They are, however, still in the title hunt and currently occupy a standing inside the Premier League's top four.
Milner appreciates that City will continue to come under fire as the season progresses, but is confident that Roberto Mancini's squad will thrive under pressure.
"There is going to be a lot of talk, and there has been a lot said about us off the field," said the England international.
"But on the pitch we just need to get on with our own business. We need to keep improving and it will take time, we know that.
"We have quality all the way through the team, and it is just about having time to gel. We just need to keep working as hard as we can on the training field and hopefully we will improve bit by bit."
Quality
Milner is also convinced that City can challenge for the Premier League title this season, with the battle at the top of the table as tight as ever.
"There are a lot of slip-ups all over the league, which shows the quality right through the Premier League," he added.
"Chelsea (who lead the way at present) are a top team but even they have blips. Everyone can beat everyone. All we can do is take care of our own business."
Meanwhile, Vincent Kompany believes City's showing in their impressive 4-1 victory over Fulham on Sunday proves the Blues are back on track after a recent wobble.
"There is not one minute of this season that we want to play less good than we did against Fulham. If the team shows this mentality it is a good thing," said the Belgian.
"The ambition of any team in the top six should be to compete with Chelsea and Manchester United. There is no reason to suggest why it would not be possible."
