Vincent Kompany has insisted that Manchester City players know how to cope under pressure.
City have been knocked out of the Carling Cup and FA Cup in recent weeks and have given up their three-point lead at the top of the Premiership.
The go into this weekend's action level on points with local rivals Manchester United.
"If there is one thing I know about our team it is that we are mentally strong," Kompany said. "We have been living with this pressure for the past three-and-a-half years and it has not affected us.
"If anything it will give us a boost to carry on and if people want to underestimate us, then please do so.
"I have always said about our team that we bounce back very well. If you lose a game you just have to carry on."
Kompany recently returned to action after serving a four-match suspension for a dangerous tackle.
