Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez believes that Manchester City are even "stronger" in this campaign following their triumph in the Premier League last season.
The English champions go up against Martinez's side tomorrow evening and the Spaniard is expecting a tough encounter.
"They are stronger than last year because they now have a winning mentality," said Martinez.
"It's one thing wanting to win a trophy and believing you can win a trophy, but it is another thing having the assurance of having won the trophy. If you look at this season they have not reached the level of last season but they still win football games."
City sit just one point from the top of the league table, while Wigan reside in 15th place.