Manchester City boss Mark Hughes says there's now nothing stopping the club from competing at Europe's top table.

"It will not be difficult to keep people happy," he said.

"Bringing in Robinho has made everybody happy. It has raised the bar.

"The expectation levels have increased and people will have to raise their game. That is fantastic.

"We have a group of players who are working extremely hard and were going in the right direction even before the introduction of money from Abu Dhabi.

"Now we have a really focused group that I am sure will kick on even further."

It is amazing that the fixture calendar has ensured Chelsea must visit the team who have now taken their status as the world's richest club immediately after the international break.

With replica shirts and season tickets disappearing fast, Eastlands will be buzzing on September 13 when what was once the irresistible force meets what appears to have become an immovable object. And Hughes cannot wait to get started.

"Everyone is really excited about what is happening to the club and I include myself in that," he said. "We are at the stage where we can really kick on now. We have the resources we need to be successful."