Manchester City assistant coach Brian Kidd says the players' pride was knocked surrendering the Premier League title to Manchester United last season.

Kidd insists that the existing squad were already determined to bounce back after finishing last season empty-handed.

"It's going to be a hard 10 months in the Premier League but the players are hurting from last season and we're ready for it," said Kidd, speaking in Hong Kong on Tuesday morning ahead of City's Barclays Asia Trophy game against South China on Wednesday.

"They're a proud bunch and they didn't take it lightly.

"You know what I think about our squad. The attitude is second to none and I wouldn't change it for any squad in the Premier League. Not only have we got talented players, they're really good people.

"We've got the players who are equipped for the Premier League. There will be healthy competition."