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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Marcus Banks

Riyad Mahrez lifts the lid on Pep Guardiola relationship and dressing room at Manchester City

Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez has opened up on his relationship with manager Pep Guardiola during his time with the Blues and the mindset of the dressing room.

Mahrez became City's record signing in 2018 when he sealed a £60million move to the Etihad Stadium, winning the domestic treble during his first season at the club as well as lifting the African Cup of Nations with Algeria.

His excellent form has continued in the new campaign - Mahrez has scored two goals and registered five assists in eight Premier League appearances so far.

The 29-year-old lifted the lid on his relationship with Guardiola during an interview with France Football.

"He's really very simple," Mahrez said.

"He is a winner, he is there to make us progress. Guardiola, he'll explain everything to us, decrypt everything, from A to Z, with the aim of facilitating the match.

"He is focused on the game. I love meetings with the coach.

"The video with him is fascinating because we constantly learn."

Mahrez also offered insight into the mentality that Guardiola has instilled in the Man City dressing room.

The winger revealed he is always looking to do more in training sessions as someone else will take his place if he doesn't.

He added: "The dressing room of a big club is another reality. You have to fight non-stop. Being relaxed isn’t tolerated.

"I’m looking to do more, because if you don’t, you know someone else will play instead of you.

"To make a good match, it is not enough any more, it is necessary to make very, very good matches all the time.

"That's Manchester City."

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