Following his decision to keep Riyad Mahrez on the bench against Newcastle United, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has personally apologized to Algerians.
From the bench, Mahrez once more witnessed his team's 2-0 victory over Newcastle. This strategic decision of Kick foments the Algerian fan local area . Even though Mahrez has been in top form since the end of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the coach sometimes goes without him. According to supporters, this is odd.
The manager's decision is not a scandal in and of itself because Foden scored a sensational solo goal almost immediately to give Manchester City the lead in a game that would ultimately end in a 2-0 victory thanks to Bernardo Silva's strike in the second half.
But when asked why he didn't play Mahrez in the weekend's win over Eddie Howe's team, the Manchester City coach was half-heartedly sorry that he couldn't always line him up.
“I am so sorry for the Algerian people. It’s not my intention to make you feel sad,” Pep Guardiola said.
“But we have other players, for example Julian (Alvarez) from Argentina – who always will be sad with me because he didn’t play. There is Sergio Gomez who is from Spain that is upset with me, also Kalvin Phillips didn’t play today and all the British people are upset with me because he didn’t play."
Before returning to Premier League action, Manchester City will now have a full week off before traveling to Selhurst Park to face Patrick Vieira's Crystal Palace team on Saturday.
Pep added: “I have to take decisions. I have a huge opinion about Riyad; an exceptional player. But in that moment, Phil (Foden) has one rhythm higher, and Jack (Grealish) gives us a lot in terms of longer possessions too like Bernardo (Silva) and his commitment to receive and be aggressive against a back-four.
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