Pep Guardiola “has demanded more from Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez, labelling him “a little bit weak” in his work when competing for duels.
Mahrez went into the game at Carrow Road on a run of eight goals and four assists in his last seven games for City, scoring in each of those games.
However, that streak ended at Norwich as Raheem Stering’s hattrick inspired the Citiizens to a remarkable 4-0 win over Norwich at Carrow Road.
When City were comfortable in the second half, Guardiola introduced three academy players, including Premier League debutant Kayky for Mahrez on 83 minutes.
As Mahrez came off, Guardiola have him a playful push, and had some animated words before the pair both laughed and Mahrez took a seat.
Speaking after the win, Pep Guardiola explained what he said to the Manchester City winger after his substitution.
“He is an exceptional player but I want more,” Guardiola told Sky Sports.
“He’s clever, he’s a goalscorer. But sometimes I want more. Sometimes he’s a little bit weak in the duels. We’ve known each other a long time and he knows the intentions we say to him is in a positive way.”
These Guardiola’s comments on Riyad Mahrez were shared on Twitter and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters.
Pep’s relentless, and I love it. https://t.co/mRxDy4A5xr
— Steven (@StevenMcinerney) February 12, 2022
I’m with Pepe
— Mohamed.C 🇩🇿 😏 (@Mohamed032014) February 12, 2022
Today, Mahrez was quiet. He played simple. Didn’t risk much.
— Honest-MCFC-Fan (@Mcfchonest) February 12, 2022
i agree. a player with mahrez’s quality should be competing with the likes of salah. I don’t think he realises that he can compete for best player in the league with his ability. It seems like he’s limiting himself
— Dishonest Penchester United Fan (@dracoknowsball) February 12, 2022
Felt very strange not having Riyad not score today.
— Kevin (@kdb2018) February 12, 2022
I’m not negative… I think he needs to pick up more dangerous positions. Needs the poacher instinct. He normally comes in late in the box and is always far post…this year he’s been more clinical but only standout because of his penshttps://t.co/VJYb9qvqoS
— Ⓜ️ (@_MMV_21) February 13, 2022
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