Manchester City defender Micah Richards has admitted that training is more intense under Manuel Pellegrini than it was under his predecessor Roberto Mancini.

The 25-year-old returned to the City lineup to captain the side in the win over Wigan Athletic this evening.

He admitted that training harder will take time to get used to, but said that it will benefit the squad in the long run.

"Under Roberto Mancini the intensity of training was a little lower," Richards told the club's matchday programme.

"That is not a criticism of Manuel Pellegrini's methods, it's just that the workload has increased and it's going to take the players time to get used to it.

"We'll get used to it and ultimately it's to out benefit as we'll get fitter and stronger as time goes on."

Richards also admitted that he will struggle to earn a World Cup place with England unless there are injuries to other players.