Former Manchester City midfielder Gary Owen believes that opponents are "jealous" of the Premier League champions' players and financial superiority.
Roberto Mancini's side have failed to hit the form that saw them win the title in the 2011-12 so far this season, but Owen is confident that the Citizens will come good soon.
"When you win the Premier League you're more highlighted especially with the amount of money we've spent to bring the team together," he told talkSport.
"Most people want you to fail because they're jealous of the spending power we've got and the players we've got in our team. Everybody is looking for faults."
City are currently fourth in the league table with 12 points from six matches, four points behind leaders Chelsea.