‘Be fit’ – Pep Guardiola’s verdict on Riyad Mahrez after rare Man City start

Pep Guardiola has said Riyad Mahrez has not been at his optimum fitness levels this season and claimed the winger needs to ‘be fit’.

Mahrez top-scored for the Blues last season and signed a new contract in the summer window but has been a peripheral figure this year, not starting a league game before Saturday since being hooked in the comeback win over Crystal Palace in August.

After starting in the win over Copenhagen and scoring a penalty, he kept his place in the XI for Southampton with Jack Grealish moving to the bench.

The former Leicester City man was on target as Manchester City beat Southampton 4-0 on Saturday, with Mahrez netting the third of the game as his cushioned volley bounced into the back of the net in the second half.

It was by far the Algerian’s best display of what has been an underwhelming start to the 2022/23 campaign.

Saturday was just Mahrez’s third league start of the season, with Guardiola recently claiming the No.26 must be in better physical condition, and repeated that after the Southampton game.

Speaking after Saturday’s win over Southampton, Guardiola said Mahrez still needs to improve his fitness levels.

“He is getting better,” the City boss said when asked about Mahrez’s display against the Saints.

“He made a magnificent goal with his quality; he missed one when normally he doesn’t miss it. He is, step by step, getting better. He is not at his best, but he’s getting better.

Asked what Mahrez needs to do to get back to his best, Guardiola said: “Train good, every day, day in, day out. Be fit in all his ways with the body fat and everything. After, he will be back.”

The Catalan added Mahrez hasn’t been at his best fitness levels this season and when quizzed on why, cryptially responded: “Because sometimes you are not.”

Overall, the 31-year-old has played 12 matches in all competitions this season and has scored two goals.

City moved top of the league following their 4-0 win on Saturday, at least until Arsenal play on Sunday.

Joao Cancelo, Phil Foden, Mahrez and Erling Haaland netted in the victory, which means City have now scored 15 home goals in just a week.

Next up for the Premier League champions is a trip to Copenhagen in the Champions League on Tuesday.