Richards calls for patience

MANCHESTER City defender Micah Richards believes it could be years before the club realises its 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 Barclays Premier League, especially away from home.

However, they still have a chance of lifting a trophy and face joint Bundesliga leaders Hamburg in the UEFA Cup quarter–finals tonight.

Richards 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."