Pep Guardiola backs Riyad Mahrez to make a big impact for Manchester City this season after getting his first goals for the club against Cardiff

  • Riyad Mahrez hit a brace as Manchester City thrashed Cardiff 5-0 on Saturday
  • Mahrez has found his game time limited since joining City in the summer
  • Pep Guardiola believes Phil Foden will also have a big part to play this season

Pep Guardiola backed Riyad Mahrez to find his feet and make a big impact on Manchester City's season.

The £60million record signing has struggled since moving from Leicester City but two goals in the 5-0 rout of Cardiff City should act as a springboard.

Guardiola is willing to give Mahrez time to settle at the Etihad Stadium and revealed he has been impressed with the forward's application despite a lack of games.

Pep Guardiola has backed Riyad Mahrez to have a major impact for Manchester City

Pep Guardiola has backed Riyad Mahrez to have a major impact for Manchester City

'The goals are important for him, he's an incredibly talented player,' Guardiola said. 'I'm so satisfied with his behaviour, the way he's training, the way he played. We don't have doubts about his quality.' 


Mahrez has yet to play 90 minutes for City but the impact that he made against Cardiff is indicative of the quality that the Algerian possesses.

Guardiola also admitted to feeling guilty at a lack of opportunities handed to Mahrez and Phil Foden, who came off the bench for the final 21 minutes.

'Look how Phil played, it's a pleasure to watch Phil play football and of course Riyad as well,' he added. 'The season is so long, they have to be ready and prepare because they are going to play a lot of minutes, all of them.' 

City, who remain unbeaten in the Premier League this season, are in Carabao Cup action on Tuesday when they face Oxford United away.

Guardiola admitted to feeling guilty at a lack of opportunities for Mahrez and Phil Foden

Guardiola admitted to feeling guilty at a lack of opportunities for Mahrez and Phil Foden

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