Pablo Zabaleta has demanded that Manchester City do not let up ahead of Wednesday night’s League Cup fourth-round match against Newcastle United.
After defeat to a late goal at Chelsea this weekend manager Manuel Pellegrini is expected to make changes to his side for the game.
Zabaleta believes City need to put the memories of last season behind them as they go in search of their first League Cup title since 1977.
“Last season hurt us. We finished second to United and lost the FA Cup final (against Wigan Athletic) and this club cannot accept silver medals,” he told the City website.
“The experience against Wigan has made us more focused. This time the manager has told us that we must aim to win all four competitions that we are in.
“The manager always tells us that we have the squad to challenge in everything and that he will always try to put a strong team to out to win every game.”
Zabaleta also thinks that the arrivals at City have had a positive impact upon the club.
“The new signings have all brought something different. Alvaro Negredo, Jesus Navas and Fernandinho have settled in very quickly and have already had a big impact.”
Pellegrini knows that his side cannot let up as the pressure to perform remains the same despite playing in the League Cup.
“Every team that wants to win something we must demonstrate every week the intensity, quality and spirit that we have in this team,” he said.
“If you think that just with quality you are going to win, then I think you are making a great mistake.”
Image courtesy of BBC via YouTube, with thanks.
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