Micah: City fans must be patient

Published: 09 Apr 2009 - 07:00:00

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Micah Richards believes it could be years before Manchester City realise their full potential under owners the Abu Dhabi United Group.Expectation levels have gone through the roof since the company took over the reins last year.City, however, have struggled to maintain consistency in the Premier League and their form, especially away from home, has been poor.However, they still have a chance of lifting a trophy and face joint Bundesliga leaders Hamburg in the UEFA Cup quarter-finals on Thursday night.Richards has come through the ranks at City and has added a dash of realism to the current situation.He said: "There is pressure with the new owners coming in - people expect us to win every game."But we need room to build, maybe three or four years. That will be the time to judge us."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."We are more stable now and I do not think the pressure affects the players. We just give 100% every game."Hopefully we can take our home form into this game and get the result we need."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."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.Richards is enjoying the ride and does not want it to end.He added: "Playing in Europe is a lot different to the game at home as the pace is slower."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."