Richards talks up Pellegrini man-management

Manchester City defender Micah Richards believes new manager Manuel Pellegrini will make the effort to ensure all the squad feel valued.

The Chilean replaced Roberto Mancini at the Etihad Stadium in the close-season, with a lack of squad harmony reportedly one of the reasons for the Italian’s departure.

And while the England international refused to criticise Mancini, he believes the new man in charge will showcase better man-management and hopes it will lead to a successful challenge for the Premier League title.

“I don’t want to say Mancini wasn’t good,” Richards told The Manchester Evening News.

“I spoke to him and got on fine with him. But I think Pellegrini will go the extra yard to make sure players are all right and how they’re feeling.

“It’s early yet. But I think Pellegrini so far has been good.

“However, we’ll wait until the end of the season and hopefully we’ll be picking up that trophy. That’s when he will be judged.”

On a personal level, Richards is looking forward to a fresh start after struggling with injuries last season.

The 25-year-old realises he will have a tough job to displace Pablo Zabaleta after the Argentinian put in a string of impressive performances last season.

“Pablo has been here for a while now and he’s a good mate of mine,” he continued.

“I can play centre-back, I can play right-back. He can play left-back, he can play right-back, he can play in midfield.

“So, there are going to be games where we’re chopping and changing positions. I’m just happy to be back fit now.”