The Ivorian believes that refreshed teams at Chelsea and Manchester United will push his Spanish-influenced side close, with Champions League improvement their No.1 aim

Yaya Toure does not believe that his Manchester City side are clear favourites for this season’s Premier League.

The 30-year-old expects a three-horse race for the title, with changes all across the top three ensuring tough opponents who will push them close.

Asked by Marca if City’s installation as favourites was fair, Toure replied: “No, I think we’re a very powerful team but Chelsea, with [Jose] Mourinho on board, and Manchester United, with [David] Moyes’s new team, will open up the league. We have some very tough opponents.”

The former Barcelona midfielder praised the impact of his club’s Spanish contingent as they get used to a more attacking style of play under Manuel Pellegrini compared to his predecessor, Roberto Mancini.

“They are two different coaches,” the Ivorian observed. “I do what they tell me.

“In terms of football, maybe we have changed the way we play. We’re attacking more now, with a very Spanish style. They all have a lot of skill and give us balance. [Jesus] Navas is very quick and intelligent. On the left, [David] Silva is very good at finding the spaces.

“We’ll have to wait and see how we do. We’ve had some top signings come in and we’ve had another year of experience. Let’s hope we win.”

The club have failed to impress in Europe’s elite competition after two attempts thus far, something Toure insists that his team-mates are eager to amend.

“[The Champions League] is our main objective this year, of course,” he confirmed. “We have to have a brilliant season and top it off in Europe.”