Roberto Mancini's Manchester City side will attempt to recover from yet another European disappointment when they return to Premier League action against Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium today.
A midweek, 2-2 home draw to Dutch side Ajax all but ended City's hopes of reaching the Champions League knockout stages and Mancini's frustration was clear when he confronted the referee on the pitch at the end of the game.
Mancini's team remain unbeaten at the Etihad in the Premiership since the loss to Everton in December 2010 and have grown increasingly used to visiting teams sitting deep and attempting to grind out a draw.
He said: "It will be very difficult, very tough. They have a group of young, energetic players that can harm you, can score a goal in an instant.
"They've got several individuals who can turn a game in an instant, and it becomes very difficult in its own right because of that."
City coach David Platt, though, is satisfied with the champions' opening to the campaign.
