Manchester City centre-back Matija Nastasic accepts the team's defensive work needs to improve.
Despite clean sheets in the last two outings, questions have been asked about City's rearguard during what has been a mixed start to the season.
Issues emerged in the shock loss to Cardiff in the second game of the campaign, while the back line was also unconvincing in the victory over Hull a fortnight ago and Saturday's goalless draw at Stoke.
Injuries have not helped, with influential captain Vincent Kompany, new signing Martin Demichelis and full-backs Micah Richards and Gael Clichy currently sidelined.
Nastasic, who formed a makeshift centre-back partnership with midfielder Javi Garcia at the Britannia Stadium, also sat out the first two games.
The Serbian said: "We made some changes in the team - in defence we played Javi and me. It was the first time and I think we did a good job, but I think I can play much better.
"In defence, it is difficult when we change the partnership every game. We did a good job but we need to play a lot of games, then it is looking better and better."
City should soon be strengthened by the return of Kompany, who suffered a groin injury in the first game of the season.
The Belgian has a chance of making Tuesday's Champions League opener at Czech side Viktoria Plzen and should certainly be back in action for the derby against Manchester United next weekend.
Manager Manuel Pellegrini said: "We will see if he can play next Tuesday in the Champions League but I am sure he will arrive for the derby."
Source: PA
