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Micah Richards says Manchester City stars are knackered after 14 games

By David Anderson 10/10/2008

micah richards

Micah Richards says Manchester City need a bigger squad after claiming the players are knackered.

City began their season back on July 17 with a UEFA Cup qualifier against EB Streymur and none of their Premier League rivals have played more games than them. Richards has featured in 12 of their 14 games and says the hectic schedule is taking its toll on the players.

City have had a bumpy start to the season, losing four times in the league and humiliated by Brighton in the Carling Cup and Richards claims boss Mark Hughes must splash out when the transfer window opens in January.

"I think what's killing us at the moment is the fact that there are a lot of games and people are starting to get tired already," said the England defender.

"That's the whole point of having a big squad though. We're starting to build that and hopefully we'll be all right.

"Maybe we can get some more players in January and that will allow us to make a big push for the rest of the season."

However, Richards also warned that City's new Middle Eastern riches will not guarantee them trophies this season and claims Hughes must find the right balance for the squad.

"Becoming the richest club overnight is a good feeling but money doesn't automatically bring success," he cautioned.

"You have to make sure you have the right mix in your squad and I hope we can have that this season."

Richards, 20, is having an enforced breather as he recovers from a knee injury and admits he will be a frustrated spectator when England continue their World Cup qualifying campaign against Kazakhstan at Wembley tomorrow.

After being hailed as the next big thing when he broke through as a teenager under Steve McClaren two years ago, he has yet to add to his 11 caps under Fabio Capello.

He was due to play for the Under-21s in their Euro play-off with Wales before his injury and he is desperate to force his way back into the senior set-up.

"It's a bit frustrating and I'd be lying if I didn't say it was," said Richards, whose last cap was in that agonising 3-2 defeat to Croatia 11 months ago.

"I'll just bide my time and when the time is right hopefully I'll be able to get back in.

"It's up to Fabio Capello and it's his decision, so the most I can do is make sure I'm playing 100 per cent for City and make sure I'm playing well to get results here.

"Then hopefully that should be enough to get me back into the England squad."

Richards' immediate priority is to get fit for City and he is targeting their next match at Newcastle on October 20.

"The injury is not as bad as was first expected," he said. "There's still a bit of inflammation and swelling of the knee, so it's best to just rest it over this period."

CITY SO FAR

July 17 UEFA Cup

W 2-0 v EB Streymur (h)

July 31 UEFA Cup

W 2-0 v EB Streymur (a)

Aug 14 UEFA Cup

L 1-0 v Midtjylland (h)

Aug 17 Prem League

L 4-2 v Aston Villa (a)