Source: mail_online
Nigel De Jong: Manchester City must stop going behind
Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong accepts the champions must kick their 'bad habit' of falling behind to mount a successful title defence.City's 2-2 draw at Liverpool in their second Barclays Premier League game of the season was the fourth match in succession they had needed to wipe out a deficit.The run stretches back to their dramatic title-clinching win over QPR at the end of last season and also includes the Community Shield win over Chelsea and opening league victory against Southampton.
Tighten up: De Jong has urged his team-mates to stop falling behind
City were outplayed for long spells at Anfield but snatched a point after the rejuvenated Carlos Tevez seized on a Martin Skrtel mistake 10 minutes from time.De Jong told City TV: 'I don't know what it is. It is a bad habit. We picked that up from the last game of the season against QPR and have continued that in these first two games of the new season.'We have to improve and show that we are up for the test wherever we go, away or at home.'We have a lot of qualities in the squad but we just have to improve. It is not going to be an easy season. Wherever you go everyone wants to beat the champions. We have to stand tall with each other and improve.'De Jong is now in the final year of his contract and his future has been the subject of speculation.Yet with just four days of the summer transfer window remaining, the Dutchman was not speaking in the manner of someone whose departure from the club might be imminent.
Set backs: Liverpool took the lead twice during the clash at Anfield
Set backs: Liverpool took the lead twice during the clash at Anfield
Manager Roberto Mancini even said last week he expects the player to stay at the Etihad Stadium.De Jong said: 'We played some decent football at times, not all the game but at least we tried a lot of times.'It was a pity we let the goals in but on the other side we showed the determination to come back twice and get away with a point.'It is not always easy to play football at Anfield. We knew that from the last couple of times.'Liverpool are a different side when they play away than at home. They have still got (things) to prove but that is not my concern at the moment.'My concern is we have to focus on our own squad and get those small things out to improve.'De Jong produced a combative display as City twice came from behind after Skrtel and Luis Suarez goals to level through Yaya Toure and Suarez.The 27-year-old was particularly impressed by Tevez who, after last season's well-documented problems, has returned fitter, focused and sharp.
Leveller: Tevez scored City's equaliser to ensure the club took a point
The Argentinian has scored three goals in as many games and said he is fully committed to the club.De Jong said: 'He looks quite slim. He always had a little belly but that is gone now at the moment! All credit to him.'Don't get me wrong, it is always hard to get him off the ball, but I'd rather have a slim Tevez than one with a belly.'As long as he scores goals for me it is okay. He is on fire at the moment and a Tevez on fire is good for any team wherever he is.'I am just glad he is still part of this City team and if he continues like this he will score a lot of goals this season.'
