Mark Hughes is ready to curb Manchester City's free-flowing style in an effort to make them harder to beat. City slumped to yet another away defeat on Wednesday, this time at Middlesbrough.

It means they have now won just once on the road in the Premier League, hardly the ideal preparation for Sunday's visit to relegation-threatened Bolton Wanderers.

Hughes knows City's record must improve if they are to stand any chance of getting involved in the battle for a European place at the end of the season.

"We have still been trying to play attacking football away from home," he said. "Maybe we have to temper that somewhat on occasion because we have played like a home side at times and allowed the team who are at home to play on the counter-attack.

"In some respects it is a positive in that the opposition is respecting the ability and quality we have. But we have to be more adept at taking points from away games."

The return of Argentina star Pablo Zabaleta should also help boost Hughes’ squad. The 23-year-old, who arrived on a free transfer from Espanyol on transfer deadline day, has been a major influence in City’s start to the season.

Since Zabaleta’s dismissal against Liverpool, Hughes has been forced to use both Micah Richards and Nedum Onuoha at right back, unsettling his sides’ defence.

"If you look at the teams with a good defensive record, more often than not it is because they have a settled back four," Hughes said.

"It does have a bearing because it has an effect on your defensive work. Defenders are like attackers, they get into a rhythm of play and develop an understanding with the people around them."