Threat of axe affecting form - Robinho

Robinho has claimed the threat of the axe hanging over several Manchester City players could be a factor in their inconsistent form.

With Mark Hughes preparing to splash the club's considerable cash when the transfer window opens on Thursday, several players in the City dressing room are left to wonder how much longer they may be at the club with high-priced replacements said to be on the way.

"It is incredible that with this squad we have appeared to be fighting relegation," Robinho said in the Daily Mail. "I must admit I don't really understand it and it has been the one question talked about more than any other in our dressing room."

He added: "One theory I have is that the constant rumours about possible reinforcements in January have damaged us in some way

"Some of my team-mates do perhaps fear for their future and that is not positive, I guess. But there is nothing we can do about that apart from try not to let it affect us."

Robinho's injury-time equaliser rescued a point for City against Blackburn on Sunday, avoiding an 11th defeat of the season for a club which is only two points above the drop zone.

City recovered from 2-0 down with three minutes to go, and Robinho expects the fightback to spur the club on.

"If we show the pride that we did in the last game then we will be okay," he said. "We will get better and better and the things that have happened in the last few weeks will be forgotten about."

Robinho also vowed to improve his own performances. The 24-year-old has scored 12 goals since joining from Real Madrid on deadline day in August, but insisted there is more to come.

"I have to say that still I am not really happy with my performances," he said. "People have not seen the big Robinho yet. They have not seen the real Robinho."