There is no problem with Riyad Mahrez at Manchester City after the winger was left out of the matchday squad that drew with Liverpool, according to his national team manager.
Mahrez was a high-profile absentee from the 18 City players selected to face Liverpool in the 1-1 draw on Sunday, and the omission was not put down to any injury.
Now, the Algerian's manager at international level has revealed how there is 'nothing alarming' to read into Pep Guardiola's decision at the weekend. However, Djamel Belmadi did say Mahrez was disappointed with the snub after a strong start to the season.
Belmadi told DZ Foot : “There’s nothing alarming about Mahrez’s situation at Manchester City.
"If you look at the number of games he’s played recently, it’s a fair amount. Pretty much all of them. It’s true we were all awaiting that game against Liverpool. We would have liked to see Riyad play and perform against that kind of opposition.
“Unfortunately, that’s part of the job. To face this kind of situation. Stay strong and not dramatise it.
"Riyad loves football, he would have liked to play that type of game. He’s disappointed. We all were not seeing him, but at the same time, he’s very happy each time to find the national team again."
Belmadi continued, saying Mahrez has put the disappointment behind him and is ready to perform for his country, saying there is nothing to worry about from the player's perspective.
"He is psychologically largely focused and concerned about [today's] match," Belmadi explained.
"He is the captain of this selection and he wants to do well. There are zero worries.
“He's a player with a strong character too. If he got where he is, it's because he knows how to deal with this kind of situation. We wish him the best to him and to all his teammates."
