Manchester City defender Micah Richards has urged fans to be patient with the club's development.

"There is pressure with the new owners coming in - people expect us to win every game," said defender Richards.

"We need room to build, maybe three or four years. That will be the time to judge us," added the 20-year-old.

Richards believes City have the potential to reach the final of the UEFA Cup, in Istanbul on 20 May.

"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," said the 20-year-old.

"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.

"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."