Jesus Navas insists City must set out to secure maximum points from every game this season if the champions are to retain their Premier League crown.

Manuel Pellegrini’s men are capable of competing in all four competitions, but admits that to do so, his side must always focus on the present.

“It’s very important to get a win,” he asserted. “More than anything, we know we have done a lot of hard work so far to get where we are - but we cannot afford to lose points.

“It’s the same each week - we have to think about the next match coming up. We have to go step by step and we have to fight to win in all competitions.

We’re in a big club here. We’ve got a strong team, who are capable of winning anything - players who are capable of everything.

“The Premier League is a very tough competition. All the teams in it are strong teams and we have to do the best we can.

“In the Champions League, what can I say? It’s a very tough group but the team is in the right frame of mind and we have every intention of progressing as far as we can in the competition.”

The last time City made the trip to Villa Park, Pellegrini’s side were left kicking themselves as the hosts came from behind to earn a 3-2 win.

Recalling that clash, Navas admitted it was a difficult result to take but claims facing determined opposition is nothing new to the players.

“I think here in England, all matches are difficult,” he reflected. “It’s a very strong league and the truth is that the opponents always make it very difficult for you.

“I remember that it was a very tough match [at Villa Park] but all games in the Premier League are difficult and you have to concentrate.

“Each week, the opponent forces you to be that way.”

Now in his second season at the Etihad Stadium, the winger insists he is happy in Manchester and is honoured to play in the Premier League.

“This is the best league in the world,” he declared. “It is more competitive than La Liga - maybe it’s the pace. The speed of play here in England is very, very fast and personally, I like that style of football.”

The 28-year-old also took a moment to praise the work of his manager, who he feels brings the best out of the players.

“He’s doing some very good things with us and he works very hard,” Navas stated.

He’s a great coach - a manager who demands the very best. It’s very important for all of us.

“He’s well connected to all the players. We’re fully concentrated throughout the matches and he gets these requirements through to all of us very well.

“The experience he has as a coach is the right experience for us – he’s on the right path and we have to carry on that way.”

On the topic of Frank Lampard‘s impact at City, Navas affirmed: “I think we all know about the experience that Frank has and the great player that he is.

“He’s bringing great things to all of us. He’s a very important player.”