TAKE-OFF Mahrez struggled to prove himself to Guardiola after his £60M move to City from Leicester but when he matched the club’s winning desire he became a key man

RIYAD MAHREZ has opened up on his fight to prove himself to Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

Mahrez became City’s record signing when he joined from Leicester for £60million in the summer of 2018.

However, the 29-year-old, who won the Premier League title with Leicester, struggled to hold down a regular place in City’s record-breaking side.

But Mahrez, now a key player for City, has revealed how he learned what he needed to do to be effective within the team and become an automatic pick.

“At City, the team is built to win every game,” explained Mahrez. “We try to win everything we’re playing for.

“Last year, when I arrived, the manager trusted me and believed in me, but I didn’t make the difference as quick as they thought I would.

“At a club like City, they don’t have time to wait.

“There are 20 top players and I was on the bench when others were performing, so it was a bit difficult for me to come back.

“But I played well towards the end of the season and I started this season differently. When I’ve played, I’ve been performing, so the confidence is here.”

Mahrez caught the eye of Guardiola with his stunning performances in Leicester’s title-winning 2015/16 campaign, during which he scored 17 goals.

And the Algeria international recalled how that historic season with the Foxes ultimately helped him to step up to the challenge of playing for City.

“In my first year in the Premier League with Leicester, we were struggling a bit,” said Mahrez on Sky’s The Football

Show. “But I always felt like I was playing well and that I could do something. The next year, we started very strong and the team was so good. When I started scoring, the confidence went up.

“When I arrived at

City, I noticed how everyone sits back, so you have to think differently.

“You have to deal differently with your opponent and, in my case, the left-back, because he’s always in front of me.

“They also always have help around him, with a midfielder or the winger, so you have to change your play and your movement.

“You have to adapt to this. It took me a little bit of time, but now I feel I’m set up very well.” Mahrez admitted the pandemic and the enforced break from football had given him a greater appreciation of his career and life. “I’m always looking to play,” said Mahrez. “I have balls everywhere in my house, so I always try to be in contact with the ball.

“With what’s happened in the past few months, you realise as a footballer what a beautiful job you have.

“You have to love what you’re doing and enjoy the life you have.”