Manchester City left-back Gael Clichy claims that the season for many top players truly starts in the month of February.

The France international is eagerly anticipating the League Cup final, the return of the Champions League and the usual grill of Premier League games in the month ahead as he strives to help City bring more silverware to Etihad Stadium.

"Of course, football is not always that easy but if we have the right attitude, we should have a great season," Clichy said on the club's official website.

"Many people say February is when the life of a top player starts - the Champions League is back, we have the League Cup final, we're still in the FA Cup and there are of course Premier League games.

"It's getting interesting and hopefully, we can go on to play as we have been doing over the last few games. I think we've been really solid defensively, which I think is really important.

"If we are solid at the back, we have the players upfront who can score so let's try to keep it simple and realistic.

"As I say, at the end of May, hopefully, we will look back on what has been a great season."