Richards calls for patience

Defender speaks to skysports.com about his aims at City

By James Dall - EXCLUSIVE   Last updated: 29th November 2008

Richards calls for patience

Richards: Remaining realistic

I think we can realistically achieve a top six or top eight finish this season.

Micah Richards
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Micah Richards has told skysports.com it will take time for Manchester City to compete for a top-four finish in the Premier League.

City have been boosted by their takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group, with their £32.5million summer capture of Brazilian star Robinho signalling their intent to grow as a club.

And with the January transfer window approaching, manager Mark Hughes has been linked with a number of high-profile players, including the likes of Kaka and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, as he aims to match the increasing expectations at Eastlands.

The club host rivals Manchester United on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1 & HD1, as they look to demonstrate their progression under Hughes since the Welshman took over from former boss Sven Goran Eriksson in June.

Money

But Richards has tempered talk of competing with the 'big four' this term and feels building on last season's ninth-placed finish is a more realistic aim.

The 20-year-old told skysports.com at an adidas Predator photo shoot: "I think we can realistically achieve a top-six or top-eight finish this season. That would be good progression for the club.

"When the investors came in and it was revealed we had a lot of money to spend, some people said we'd be a top-four team.

"These things do not happen overnight. The top four have had strong teams for years. It is going to take time. But eventually and hopefully we will get there."

Desire

Richards also expressed his backing for Hughes, who had come under pressure earlier this campaign following a disappointing run of results.

"He is a good manager. He wants to get the best out of us players. If something is not right he'll make sure we sort it out," the defender said.

"He has got a lot of heart, desire and passion. He wants to drive the club in the right way. I think that is beneficial for the players because we all want the same things and have the same ideas."