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Guardiola tells Mahrez to get fitter

By Luke Edwards

Pep Guardiola has warned Riyad Mahrez that he needs to get fitter or he will remain on the fringes of Manchester City’s first team.

Guardiola could not have been more blunt when asked why Mahrez, who was rewarded with a new three-year contract last season, had started just two games this campaign, despite being one of City’s most important players last year.

Asked what he was missing, Guardiola replied: “We need him. He has to come back in a better physical condition and after that the best will come, because as a player I cannot teach him anything because he is too good.”

Mahrez may well get a rare start against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League tonight. Having won their first two group games, City can afford to rest players against the Danish champions.

His decline is in sharp contrast to the rise of Phil Foden, who is on the verge of signing a contract extension to keep him at the club for the next five years.

“The impact from Phil when I arrived was, wow,” Guardiola said. “He can do many, many things. We want him to stay for years.”

Kevin De Bruyne has predicted that Foden will end up playing in the centre of midfield and Guardiola concurred: “Phil can play in five positions, but I agree with Kevin.”

Sport | Football

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2022-10-05T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-10-05T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://dailytelegraph.pressreader.com/article/281547999781697

Daily Telegraph