The England defender played a captain’s role in the thrilling 2-1 midweek win and is rapidly maturing into one of most reliable performers of his generation.
He knows that City cannot afford any slips between now and the end of the season and that following the old cliché of one game at a time is the only way forward.
“Three points against Chelsea will not mean a lot if we don’t back it up with a win at Stoke,” he declared ahead of the trip to the Britannia Stadium.
In its way it is every bit as tough a match and one where the first goal could be vital
...Micah Richards
“Stoke is one of the most intimidating and loudest grounds we visit in this country and it is never an easy place to go and win. We have to be at our absolute best.”
Richards who, in absence of both Joleon Lescott and Vincent Kompany, covered at centre half against Chelsea is willing to carry on there if asked but takes a pragmatic view of team selection.
“The manager will decide when and where I play and I will get on with it,” he said.
I was pleased for the boss that we won in midweek because it is a stressful place to be leading a side in our position
...Micah
“We have a great squad of players here and we will all play our part between now and the end of the season, I am sure of that.
“It was really good that Carlos Tevez came back and that most people got right behind him. He can be inspirational and I am sure that like all the players he will have his say between now and the end of the season.
“We felt we showed great tenacity against Chelsea, we showed everyone what fight and belief there is in this team; now we have to show that nine more times.”
