The Argentine believes City’s first win over Barcelona has finally silenced the critics.
Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta says his side’s victory over FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League, should finally silence their critics.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the Argentine spoke of The Citizens’ joy in finally coming out on top against La Blaugrana having lost their previous five meetings.
Zabaleta returned from a minor foot injury on Tuesday for Pep Guardiola’s side, just in time to revel in Manchester City’s impressive 3-1 win over Luis Enrique’s men.
Manchester City’s Pablo Zabaleta celebrates at full time
The 31 year-old believes the club’s blip is now well and truly over, having gone without a win for almost the entire month of October.
The Argentine stated: “We had started the season really well, winning all the games in the Premier League and the Champions League, until we had a small blip.”
“Perhaps people were talking about a crisis or saying we doubted our style of play a little bit, but we responded well in the last couple of games.”
Manchester City’s Pablo Zabaleta in action with Bournemouth’s Eunan O’Kane
Pablo Zabaleta is now in his ninth year in Manchester since being recruited from La Liga side Espanyol by former boss Mark Hughes in summer 2008, having rejected a move from Juventus.
The Buenos Aires-born defender has made 215 appearances for the club, playing under five different stewarships at the Etihad Stadium.
The right-back has shared duties with team-mate Bacary Sagna on the right of defence, and Zabaleta feels Guardiola’s methods are now paying dividends after a tricky spell.
Manchester City’s Pablo Zabaleta in action with Barcelona’s Neymar
He added, “Obviously Pep’s way is to believe in hard work, believe in what we’re doing, what we’re working towards, and that’s the best way to go.”
“The whole team played a very complete game. Perhaps in the first half Barcelona dominated the game a bit more but the goal just before half-time was important for our confidence.”
“The most important thing is that we won and now we have to keep going.”
Manchester City will look for a third win in all competitions, as Middlesbrough travel to the Etihad on Saturday in the Premier League.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
