Manchester City fullback Pablo Zabaleta insists there's nothing wrong with their team spirit.

Zabaleta insisted that the way Roberto Mancini's men came back from two goals down to force a draw with Ajax proves there is nothing wrong with the spirit at the Etihad.

"The spirit is still here," he said. "We are the champions and we knew before the season started that it was going to be difficult to repeat what we did last year.

"We need to show we are the champions - and we will. We are looking forward to the challenge.

"Sometimes in football there is criticism of the players and the manager. You have to be ready for that.

"It is days like this when you have to be stronger."