Nigel de Jong says Manchester City are now top dogs

Posted Thursday, October 20, 2011 by The Sun

Nigel de Jong says Manchester City are now top dogs
BIG HITTERS ... Nigel says City are top of the pile now

NIGEL DE JONG has turned up the derby heat by claiming Manchester City are now No 1 in the country — and plan to stay there.
The Premier League leaders make the short journey across town to Old Trafford for Sunday's top-of-the-table clash.

Champions Manchester United have had the local bragging rights during a glittering last two decades for Alex Ferguson's men.

But Dutch hardman De Jong believes the balance of power is now shifting and City go to the home of their deadly rivals as the top dogs.

After a run of last-gasp defeats, the Blues showed they can beat their old foes by nicking the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley in April.

And De Jong insists they will arrive on Sunday deservedly top of the pile — with no intention of letting it slip.

The former Hamburg star said: "Of course everyone believes we can go there and win. We're going there as No 1 and the aim is to stay No 1.

"We are on top of the league so going into that game we just have to be confident and play our game as well as we have been doing.

"The pressure is still the same as it was last year. But what has changed is that we are now No 1 going into this derby.

"We don't have any point to prove. We've shown our quality throughout the season. We don't need a game against United to show how good we are.

"But it's two of the best teams in England going up against each other and I expect it to be a great game.

"Everyone was talking about that FA Cup semi-final but we proved we can win. Now we have to go into this game believing we can get the three points."

City have dropped only two points in eight matches so far in the league this season and are two ahead of second-placed United.

They are also buoyed by their dramatic last-gasp victory over Villarreal on Tuesday which could kick-start their Champions League campaign. De Jong hopes it will give them an extra lift and added: "It's a big boost for us.

"Every game you win gives you something extra going into the next game. That's especially the case when you've got a game like this one on Sunday.

"The belief has always been there for us. We're confident but United will be as well. They're at home and it's a massive game for both of us."

City ended their 35-year wait for a trophy by lifting the FA Cup in May — on the same day United won a 19th league title.

De Jong can only admire what the Red Devils have achieved over the last 20 years but hopes a similar kind of era could be just beginning at the Etihad.

He said: "You can't build a history of winning trophies over 25 years like United have done just in one year.

"There's more to come but we are building here step by step and that takes time. Maybe you don't get a lot of time when you are spending a lot of money on players. But still you need to go step by step — that's how it has to be.

"The other side is that everyone is hungry for success and it has to come as quickly as possible for most of us."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger claimed this week that players join City just for the money.

But De Jong, 26, insists the chance to go down in folklore is more important.

He said: "You have to be honest, they pay good wages and everyone can earn a good living here — but it's not about that.

"This side can be part of history as well because it's been so long since we won the title.

"So if we can be part of the history here at City that would be a really good thing. That's the main reason myself and other players signed here."

Team-mate Pablo Zabaleta says City will be out to put more daylight between themselves and their deadly rivals on Sunday afternoon.

Boss Roberto Mancini has been criticised for his negative approach in previous years — but this year he has been more gung-ho.

And Zabaleta says there will be no thoughts of going to Old Trafford hoping to nick a point.

He said: "Always when you win games like we did against Villarreal before the derby it's great for the group and the squad.

"Everyone will now be talking about the derby and we have to focus on United, be positive and believe we can beat United.

"Of course we believe we can go there and win. We know we have a great team, the derbies are special games and we are going to Old Trafford to win this game.

"We have the team for that and we are positive. We are two points ahead of United in the Premier League and we have the chance to make it a bigger difference so it's going to be a huge game."

City's England midfielder James Milner cannot wait for the Old Trafford clash.

He said: "We know it will be a tough game, a great atmosphere and a great occasion. But if we keep playing as we are, I am sure we can get the win.

"We will take confidence from beating Villarreal on Tuesday. It was important we got this first win and, with three games to go, it is down to us now."