Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta insists Roberto Mancini's men are ready and good enough to win the Premier League title this season.
City finished fifth last season and missed out on a Champions League spot following a 1-0 home defeat to Tottenham.
Some believe Roberto Mancini's men still have some way to go to challenge for the top spot, but the Argentine begs to differ.
The 25-year-old believes City are a quality bunch of stars and that it would be foolish to write off their hopes of wrestling the title from Chelsea.
"I don't think it helps us to talk too much," he told the Daily Mirror. "We missed a great chance to reach the Champions League last season.
"So many people are talking about the Champions League and the title, but it's not good to be talking about that before the season has begun.
"We know we are a fantastic team with great players in the squad. You look at our squad and you know we can do something important.
"But I also think we have to keep quiet about it. We know how important the first game against Spurs is going to be and Arsenal have had their team together for a long time.
"As a team they are all very solid, which is why they are the ones competing for the title every season. But we are very close to them now.
"This club is growing a lot. You can buy big names, but you need time to find the best team. So we will stay quiet for now."
