Silva: City must lift to stay in title race

David Silva says Manchester City must step up their performances soon if they are to retain their English Premier League crown.

City crashed out of the League Cup on Tuesday after suffering a 4-2 extra-time defeat at home to Aston Villa, and have struggled to produce their best football in the league so far.

Silva believes while they are still well in the title fight, the squad must rediscover last season’s form to be in with the best chance of silverware.

“The truth is we didn’t play good football, we need to improve, like last year when we started very well,” he told Cope radio.

“We have to get back to that level and find that we have to work hard to do so as soon as possible.

“We haven’t started as everyone wanted, but we’re still in the fight for the title. The league has just started, as has the Champions League.”

Silva also moved to deny his new five-year deal with the club does not contain a clause which allows either Real Madrid or Barcelona to prise him away from City.

“I renewed my contract because I am happy here. I hope we will continue to improve and fight for more titles,” he said.

“At the moment I am thinking about that, not about the future. I am only thinking about continuing to play, enjoy myself and trying to win titles.

“There is no clause in my contract allowing me to leave for Madrid or Barcelona.”