Riyad Mahrez is reportedly downbeat about his lack of starts since arriving at the Etihad last summer for a club record £60m. The Manchester City winger may come back into the reckoning tonight against Everton at Goodison Park, having found himself a regular substitute in recent weeks.
However, training ground observers have hinted the former Leicester City playmaker may still be struggling to get used to the strict rotation policy under Pep Guardiola.
Related: Guardiola Issues Gabriel Jesus Apology
Mahrez has made a total of 33 appearances and scored nine times in all competitions, but a large number of those has been as a late introduction to games. The 27-year-old is also still waiting to win over many City supporters, who have questioned whether he was actually needed, rather than the Manchester giants trying harder to keep academy star Jadon Sancho – now earning rave notices for Borussia Dortmund and England.
City insiders insist Mahrez has not voiced any supposed concerns to
Guardiola, who expects all his players to be on board with his ideas and be ready to make an instant impact when called upon.
