Silva - City face tough task

David Silva admits Manchester City have made things 'a little bit hard' for themselves in the UEFA Champions League.

Roberto Mancini's side have taken just one point from their opening two games in Group A against Napoli and Bayern Munich.

That start has placed added importance on Tuesday's home date with Villarreal, with it imperative that City secure their first victory of the campaign.

It can be difficult for clubs, even those with a squad as deep as City, to cope with the demands of competing on multiple fronts.

The Blues are currently top of the Premier League table, but Silva admits they need to start reproducing their domestic form in continental competition.

Improve

The Spaniard said: "We have got a lot of games under our belt in the league.

"In the Champions League we have only played two games and those two games were against top sides.

"We have made things a little bit hard for ourselves but we can start to improve tonight."

"Maybe it is a case of needing a few more games under our belt in that competition too in order to get the same consistency we have been showing in the league.

Former Valencia playmaker Silva has faced Villarreal a number of times in his career and the World Cup winner is fully aware of the threat posed by the Primera Liga outfit.

The 25-year-old added: "They are a great side.

Counter

"They like to keep hold of the ball, they like to pass it around and they can also hit you on the break.

"We have got to be careful and try to retain as much possession as we can and avoid being hit on the counter."

City boss Mancini is set to welcome Sergio Aguero back into his starting XI in midweek and he is confident his side can kick-start their Champions League campaign.

He said: "If we beat Villarreal I think everything can change for us in the group.

"We must win this game but it is important we are strong enough. I don't think it will be easy."