Following Manchester City’s surprise 3-1 defeat to Ajax in the Champions League last night, Citizens defender Micah Richards has spoken out regarding Roberto Mancini’s decision to change formations from last season.
City started last night playing 4-5-1, however the City boss has opted for a three man defence in recent games - a style which has come back into fashion in Serie A.
It has not yet had the desired effect at City who have conceded seven goals in three games in the Champions League. Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville has openly criticised the choice in formation, as well as employing full back Gael Clichy at centre back.
During last night’s defeat to Ajax at the Amsterdam Arena, Mancini took off England International Joleon Lescott and re-organised City into a 3-5-2 system. After ten minutes, the City boss decided the changes had made little effect on his lacklustre team, and averted back to playing with four at the back.
In a post-match interview, Micah Richards, who was shifted between right-back and centre-back by Mancini, spoke to Sky Sports about the change in formations.
"It's not something that we've worked on a lot, we're just used to a back four,” admitted the England international.
“But the manager likes it and if we want to do well with it then we'll have to work harder on it.
“It's a hard system and I think the players prefer a 4-4-2 but he's the manager and we'll do what he says.”
Richards also reflected on the disappointing result, which has left City’s Champions League ambitions all but over.
“We're disappointed today, we thought we would come here and get the three points but it wasn't to be.
"No disrespect to Ajax but we expected to come here and win, we'll look to the next game and see what we can do,” he added.
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