Riyad Mahrez needs to get better if he wants to return to the Manchester City club, according to manager Pep Guardiola.
Pep Guardiola expects Riyad Mahrez will recover more powerfully.
According to Pep Guardiola, Riyad Mahrez needs to get in better physical shape if he wants to rejoin the Manchester City club.
Mahrez has started just two of City’s eight Premier League games this season and was again on the bench for Sunday’s victory over United. It will become more difficult for the Algerian winger to reclaim his spot in the team as Phil Foden scored three goals over the weekend and Jack Grealish continues to improve.
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Guardiola has made it clear that he wants more from Mahrez despite the fact that he is aware of how important he can be. Mahrez was the club’s top scorer last season and stepped up in a number of pivotal games. Even if his football skills are undeniable, the manager anticipates that before he starts selecting him again, he will be in better form.
He is aware of what needs to be done, according to Guardiola. “I am an expert in Riyad. We need him, and he must return to his best self, Riyad, in terms of his character, abilities, and passion for the game and the way he enjoys playing it. He’s going to return gradually.
“He needs to return in better physical shape, and then the best will come,” a player said. “As a player, I can’t teach him anything; he’s too good.”
Mahrez may have a chance to reclaim his spot in the lineup if City wins their match against Copenhagen, but Guardiola cautioned against underestimating their opponents, particularly after their crushing victory over United.
“That is the issue, and following the match versus United, this is the main difficulty. I’m hoping I can explain and demonstrate to them how important it is to pay close attention because Sevilla found it difficult to break the defense they have in place. I saw them this morning, and Sevilla struggled to do so because they were so well-designed.
“I am aware of their potential; when they possess the ball, they don’t merely play long passes to the striker; instead, they are courageous enough to move forward. Although we must try to coerce them into playing long balls, they have the capability and courage to do it. This morning, I was quite aback by how many excellent things they accomplished.”