Clichy admits City’s weakness

DEFENDER Gael Clichy admits Manchester City have yet to find the form taht brought them the Barclays Premier League title last season — but is confident of its return.

Last weekend the champions lost the Manchester derby to United, suffering their first defeat in the league this season and first at home for almost two years.

It handed the Red Devils a six–point advantage at the top of the table - but Clichy knows that is not insurmountable.

“For me the problem this year is that we are not playing as well as a unit as we did last year and that’s what we have to work on,” he said.

“I am very confident we have the quality and I am sure we are going to be there at the end of the season. I personally believe we have a mission and its aim is to become champions again.”

Clichy hopes the trip to Newcastle United tomorrow will spark them back into life.

Last season Roberto Mancini’s side went to St James' Park for the penultimate match of the season and their 2–0 victory was seen as pivotal in them clinching the title.