Source: Eurosport
Richards: Give Us More Time
Manchester City defender Micah Richards believes it could be years before the club realises its full potential under owners the Abu Dhabi United Group.[LNB]Expectation levels have gone through the roof since the company took over the reins last year.[LNB]City, however, have struggled to maintain consistency in the Barclays Premier League and their form, especially away from home, has been inconsistent.[LNB]However, they still have a chance of lifting a trophy and face joint Bundesliga leaders Hamburg in the UEFA Cup quarter-finals tonight.[LNB]Richards has come through the ranks at City and has added a dash of realism to the current situation.[LNB]He said: "There is pressure with the new owners coming in - people expect us to win every game.[LNB]"But we need room to build, maybe three or four years. That will be the time to judge us.[LNB]"The team has changed a lot since pre-season. It was a case of people getting to know each other and we were trying out new things.[LNB]"We are more stable now and I do not think the pressure affects the players. We just give 100% every game.[LNB]"Hopefully we can take our home form into this game and get the result we need.[LNB]"This is a crucial match for us as we need a good result here. It is important to keep a clean sheet and if we could nick a goal that would be great."[LNB]City started out in this competition back in July and are about to play their 15th game in the bid to reach the Istanbul final.[LNB]Richards is enjoying the ride and does not want it to end.[LNB]He added: "Playing in Europe is a lot different to the game at home as the pace is slower.[LNB]"The UEFA Cup means a hell of a lot to the players. We have come this far and don't want to give it up."[LNB]Manager Mark Hughes has hinted Martin Petrov will play some part in the first-leg match.[LNB]Petrov only returned to reserve-team action on Monday at Newcastle after a six-month absence with a knee injury.[LNB]Hughes took in the game and was impressed at the way the Bulgaria winger performed on his comeback.[LNB]So much so he looks likely to get some game time after a 45-minute run-out.[LNB]Hughes said: "Martin is an outstanding player. He gives you great quality, not just with his knowledge of the game but his ability to deliver great balls into good areas.[LNB]"We have missed him this year. If we had the option of Martin before I am sure he would have had a positive impact on games.[LNB]"To see him play against Newcastle was a great thing for everyone. He had 45 minutes of good play.[LNB]"He looked sharp, he looked ready. He is very much in our thoughts for this match."[LNB]
