By MARTIN BLACKBURN
Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal have all made a much better fist of this season’s Champions League bid than City.
But on the domestic front the title holders remain unbeaten in the league this season and sit two points behind their neighbours following a 2-1 victory over Tottenham on Sunday.
City have come under fire for their efforts in Europe but their Serbian defender reckons they are still the big scalp all teams want.
Kolarov, 27, said: “I understand why we get so much criticism — everybody wants to beat us as we are the champions and haven’t lost any games this season.
“We have lost games in the Champions League — but we are still the best team in the Premier League, I think.
“If we play the way we know how, we will be the champions again.
“If we carry on playing with the same spirit we showed against Spurs, nobody can beat us.”
On Sunday, boss Roberto Mancini revealed he saw for the first time this season the spirit which won them the championship last term.
City came from behind to see off Tottenham at the Etihad and Kolarov reckons there were signs they are getting back on track.
He said: “Beating Spurs was a big step not just for the three points but because we had a good spirit.
“We need to stay on this road, train well, and keep playing at this level.”
But Kolarov has warned his close pal Edin Dzeko he may have to get used to the supersub tag.
The Bosnian, who bagged the weekend winner, has earned City nine points coming off the bench this season — but is desperate to get more regular starts.
However Kolarov says he has to accept the manager’s decision and just do what he can to help when called upon — just like the rest of his team-mates.
He said: “It’s tough, not just for him, but also for me and for other players who don’t play every game.
“It’s hard to keep your form at a high level but we are professional and need to accept it is the manager’s choice.
“That goes for Edin, for me and for every player who doesn’t play every game.
“I can’t explain what it is about Edin but it is important for us that he continues to score, whether it is from the bench or starting from the first minute.
“That goes for all of the strikers. It is the manager’s choice who starts.”