De Jong warns sloppy Manchester City to tighten up - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

De Jong warns sloppy Manchester City to tighten up

AFP | By, London
Aug 27, 2012 07:35 PM IST

Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong has warned his side they must shore up their leaky defence before they can think about mounting a sustained bid to retain the Premier League title.

Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong has warned his side they must shore up their leaky defence before they can think about mounting a sustained bid to retain the Premier League title.

HT Image
HT Image

City needed a late Carlos Tevez equaliser to rescue a 2-2 draw at Liverpool on Sunday after Roberto Mancini's side allowed the hosts to take the lead twice.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

It was the third successive match this season that City have conceded two goals after their 3-2 wins over Chelsea in the Community Shield and Southampton on the opening day of the league campaign.

They also conceded twice before coming from behind to beat QPR, and win the title in the process, on the final day of last season and Netherlands international de Jong knows that kind of porous defensive record will prove eventually fatal unless it is rectified.

"I don't know what it is. It is a bad habit," de Jong told City TV. "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," he said.

"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."

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! -Login Now! Catch all the Latest WPL Schedule 2024 and Live score along with WPL Points Table, IPL Schedule and WTC related updates on Hindustan Times Website and APPs
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On