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Manchester City manager Mark Hughes is adamant they still have a chance of winning the UEFA Cup, despite having it all to do against Hamburg.

First of of all, however, City will have to overturn a 3-1 deficit against Hamburg on Thursday at Eastlands if they are to reach the semi-finals.

It is a tough task given their recent form - five defeats in six games in all competitions.

However Hughes is not giving up the fight just yet as City prepare for their 16th match in the competition after starting out in July.

He said: "We would all love to be part of a team that brings a trophy to Manchester City.

"Over the years the club have struggled to put silverware on the sideboard. It would be a great achievement if we could do it this year.

"It may well surprise people if we are able to do that. But that is our aim. We have always held this competition in the highest regard and given it the respect it deserves."

That upbeat message - despite the 3-1 home defeat by Fulham on Sunday - was echoed by defender Nedum Onuoha.

He said: "There is a lot of confidence among the players. At home we always believe we can get a positive result.

"Everyone knows what they have to do against Hamburg and hopefully that will see us through.

"We have played a lot of games but I am not tired, just enjoying every one. We are all very ambitious.

"With the conditioning work we do, we have it in us to play a lot more games from now until the end of the season."

Hughes has come under fire from a section of the supporters after a string of poor results.

But he is relaxed about his own situation and said: "My position is there for the owners to make a judgment on.

"My role at the club does not change until someone tells me it changes. I know with the quality of staff and the players we have we can be successful in the future.

"We know that my methods and the team's methods on a long-term basis will bring results. I have no concerns in that respect. We are trying to build for the future and it won't happen overnight."

Hughes looks set to restore Robinho to the team as he will be without strikers Craig Bellamy and Benjani Mwaruwari through injury.

The club's record buy has suffered a goal drought after last finding the target on December 28 against Blackburn.

Hughes believes the Brazilian's dip in form is the result of the opposition knowing how to make him less effective.

He said: "That is what has happened in some games. Robby will have to learn from that and deal with it."

Sporting Life / Eurosport