Source: Team_Talk
Micah relishing scrap for places
Micah Richards admits speculation about his future has been distracting but insists he is focused on the challenge ahead at Manchester City.[LNB] The 22-year-old has suffered a loss of form over the last couple of years and with all the comings and goings at Eastlands his future was cast into doubt.[LNB]Richards finds himself under pressure from Pablo Zabaleta and new signing Jerome Boateng but he is ready to fight for his place.[LNB]"There have been lots of things said and written about my future at City this summer," he said.[LNB]"But I think from the effort I have put in during training and in the pre-season games that it is evident to everyone that I want to stay at City.[LNB]"It does affect your concentration when you are consistently linked with a move away or people are talking about you being replaced - especially as I have been here for so long.[LNB]"Sometimes you get a bit down when these things are constantly being said and I play best when I am happy and confident which I am at the moment."[LNB]Richards and Boateng swapped between centre-back and right-back in Saturday's friendly against Valencia as manager Roberto Mancini looks to get every position covered.[LNB]"The boss wanted Jerome to play in both positions and I think he did well in each of them," the England defender told mcfc.co.uk.[LNB]"He can play happily in both so I can see a battle ahead and I am well up for the challenge."
