Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN) – The Spanish coach, Pep Guardiola, revealed that the Algerian Riyad Mahrez is suffering from a physical aspect, which caused him to be absent from the starting lineup, stressing that he must improve and return to his best condition.
Riyad Mahrez, 31, suffers from leaving the starting lineup for Manchester City, as he repeatedly sat on the bench on more than one occasion.
Mahrez played 7 matches with the “Citizens”, most of them as a substitute, in the English Premier League, during the current season, during which he did not succeed in scoring or industry.
Guardiola spoke about Mahrez, in the press conference for the match between Manchester City and Copenhagen in the Champions League, saying: “He knows what he must do, I know Riyad perfectly, the team needs him, he must return to his best,” adding: “When he is the best.” His character, ability, quality and love for this game, step by step he will come back.”
“Now he is not playing much, he should be back in a better physical condition, I can’t teach him anything, because he is a very good player,” Guardiola added.
Manchester City will host its Danish counterpart Copenhagen, on Wednesday evening, in the third round of the “Champions League”, the Spanish coach said about this confrontation: “We know the importance of the matches in our stadium, and tomorrow there will be no excuses, when I face a team from Northern Europe, it is always good.” “.
“We have to be careful, if we can win three games we will be very close to the next stage,” Guardiola concluded.