Nigel de Jong says it is vital for Manchester City to arrest their recent bad habit of falling behind in matches.
The champions have found themselves in losing positions in their past three Premier League matches (including the final day win over QPR last season) and the recent Community Shield clash with Chelsea.
Yesterday, City fell behind twice at Liverpool before eventually forcing a 2-2 draw and de Jong says that run has to end if they want to defend their Premier League title.
"I don't know what it is. It is a bad habit," he told City TV.
"We picked that up from the last game of the season against QPR and have continued that in these first two games of the new season.
"We have to improve and show that we are up for the test wherever we go, away or at home.
"We have a lot of qualities in the squad but we just have to improve.
"It is not going to be an easy season. Wherever you go everyone wants to beat the champions. We have to stand tall with each other and improve."
