“Of course beating a team like Real Madrid is something big and we would never try to underestimate something like that, but I can assure you all that our focus changed the moment we were back in the dressing room on Wednesday evening , to this weekend and what shifted.” “It will be another very difficult game against Manchester City,” writes the captain Matchday program.

“I realize a lot of people will be reading a lot into this game when it comes to the Premier League table, but our focus is on the 90-plus minutes ahead of us and nothing else.”

“We are in December and, as we all know, nothing is won in December. The season still lasts more than five months and a lot can happen during that time.

“Of course we want to get the three points, but we know how big the challenge will be against City. Much has been made of some of their recent results, but we know better than anyone what they are capable of. They have won the last four Premier League titles in a row and are one of the best teams in the world, a team full of quality players, so we have to be ready to play against the best version of them, nothing else.

“And whatever happens after that, we have to be ready and stay calm and not get too high or too low based on the results.

“We know the big reasons for our good start to the season. Everything is based on hard work, humility and concentration as well as the quality that we have in the team. I believe that we have demonstrated these qualities for many years and it is good that we managed to do so again this season.

“Whatever happens today, we must be ready and remain calm, not getting too high or too low.

“As I always say, it’s all about consistency. We want to keep winning games like we have been doing, but you only win games if you are fully committed, fully focused and ready to give absolutely everything every day.

“You saw last Sunday at Southampton and then again on Wednesday against Real Madrid that we are prepared to dig deep when it matters most and we will certainly have to do that again against City.”

“I know we can count on your incredible support as we look to cap off a big week with the perfect result and hopefully we can give you plenty to cheer about again.”