Vincent Kompany has hit out at rumours of a rift between Manchester City teammates Robinho and Craig Bellamy.

"When I read and heard about the supposed problems in the dressing room it really surprised me," said Kompany.

"If there has been a reaction in the dressing room then it is from players who just want us to win games and be successful and improve themselves and the group.

"If you look at the collective aspect of the team it is important we have the attitude of not accepting second best. Many times before as a squad we have been okay with average results but now the team will not accept this anymore.

"There are no tensions at all in the group. There is a very good team spirit and sometimes it is important that players feel free to say things to each other.

"Too much of what has supposed to have happened in the dressing room is exaggerated by people, who were not there. A constructive debate is always an important thing to have.

"We can use the passion positively and we will do so. Everyone could see the collective spirit at Anfield at the weekend. We all ran our socks off for each other."