Saturday 8 November 2014 16:31, UK
Gael Clichy says there is no reason for Manchester City to panic despite a run of just one win in their past five games.
City were beaten 2-1 at home by CSKA Moscow in the Champions League on Wednesday night, a result which means they will now have to beat Bayern Munich and Roma if they are to qualify for the knockout stage.
They were eliminated from the Capital One Cup, also on their own ground, by Newcastle United a week ago and lost 2-1 at West Ham United in the Premier League before beating rivals Manchester United at the Etihad courtesy of Sergio Aguero’s goal.
Clichy was keen to stress the gap between themselves and league leaders Chelsea is only six points and is confident the team can mount a defence of their championship if they rediscover a ‘fighting spirit’.
“Confidence comes from the results and the win against (Manchester) United was a big one for us and for the supporters because we played well,” the defender told Sky Sports News.
“It shows you that football is not an easy game and you have to question yourself every three days.
“We’re disappointed and sad because it could have been better but we are confident because of the quality we have in the squad, it is exceptional.
“If we have the fighting spirit and do the right things then it will be difficult for any team to come and get the points from City.
“When you play badly you have to hold your hands up but there is no time to panic because it is a long season – we’re not out of the Champions League and there are only six points between us and Chelsea.
“If they lose then it’s game on so we have to stay focused and play how we know we can play.”
City travel to QPR on Saturday night followed by back-to-back home games against Swansea City and Bayern after the international break.
Staying in the Champions League is of huge importance to the club but Clichy insists the primary focus is on the weekend game at Loftus Road.
“We have to get over it,” he said. “The fans are disappointed and we are disappointed but the beauty of football is that we have a game after three days.
“We can’t think about what happened on Weds night. It was a really bad result and a bad performance by the team but we have to think about the future and the next game is at QPR.”
Watch QPR v Manchester City, on Saturday on Sky Sports 1 from 4.45pm
