Riyad Mahrez claims that the work he put in over the World Cup break is what has led to his incredible run of form.
Mahrez had a challenging start to the season after finishing last year as Manchester City’s leading scorer as he struggled to perform at his peak and received criticism for his conditioning from boss Pep Guardiola. However, he has emerged as the Blues’ finest performer ever since club action started in late December.
In just nine games, the Algerian has six goals, and three assists, and has started all but one of them. He only ever came off the bench once, in a league match against Chelsea, and scored the game-winning goal.
Mahrez has had a dramatic change in fortunes, and he has revealed that his improved play is a result of the training he was able to get in while most of his teammates were at the World Cup. He admitted, “I had a couple of issues before, and I wasn’t doing too well.
“They don’t wait around here at large clubs and huge squads. Someone else will play and play well if you are not prepared. I put in a lot of effort over the break when everyone was at the World Cup. I returned really well; I felt young and it is right now. I must continue because I am assisting the team and contributing.
Mahrez found it difficult to accept that Algeria didn’t qualify for Qatar after losing to Cameroon in overtime in their qualification match. It was extremely difficult since we believed we deserved to be there, he continued. It was challenging, but we had to put up with it. I applied that disappointment and aggravation to myself so that I could do exceptionally well after the World Cup.
While City has struggled at times in 2023, they come into their crucial FA Cup match against Arsenal on the heels of two victories. Mahrez likes how his team is performing.
We need to keep playing well like we are right now, he remarked. “Despite our losses to Manchester United and Southampton, we are still performing extremely well overall. After a loss, whenever you start winning games, the tension increases.