Roberto Mancini: 'Maicon won't force Micah Richards out'

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has reassured Micah Richards that he will not be forced out due to the arrival of Maicon.

The Brazilian full-back arrived from Inter Milan in the summer, furnishing City with three right-backs, including Pablo Zabaleta who displaced Richards in the team at the end of last season.

However, Mancini says that he is thinking about playing three centre-backs and wing-backs, as he did in the first game this season.

"It changes nothing because I trust Micah 100%," Mancini told ESPN.

"This year we've changed and play three and two wide, and I think maybe Micah can play right centre-back.

"Micah has been injured for 40 days. He can play right-back and right centre-back and this year I think we will play more games, so we need one or two extra players."

City face Stoke City this afternoon at the Britannia Stadium.