Focus required in title race – Mahrez
RIYAD Mahrez had admitted that Manchester City weren’t good enough to win the Premier League last season and that they will need ‘consistency and focus’ to win it back this year.
After two years of domestic dominance, City saw their grip on the Premier League title slip last season as Liverpool stormed to their first championship triumph in 30 years.
Jurgen Klopp’s side eventually won the league by a massive 18 points, with City’s nine defeats throughout the year proving costly.
Both sides have made 100 per cent starts to their new campaigns and it looks as though another intense title race could be on the cards. Mahrez (below) believes the Blues know how they can improve on last year to pose more of a challenge this time around.
“I think the Premier League is the best league in the world for me,” the 29-year-old told the Press Association, via Goal. “Obviously I didn’t play in all the leagues, but I love it. Two hundred games is an amazing achievement. I obviously want to play 200 or 300 more.
“My time in the Premier League has been very good. I won trophies, I scored some goals, I enjoyed playing in the Premier League, enjoyed home games and away games’ atmospheres, and I hope I will keep going until I retire.
“We weren’t good enough to win it last season, and now we know what we can improve on to try to be there at the end of the year.
“I think we have a very good squad and a very good team. I think it’s all about consistency and focus and we’ll be there at the end.”
City will be hoping to continue their good start to the season when they face Mahrez’ old club, Leicester City, on Sunday and the Algerian has looked back on his time with the Foxes.
“I look back at an unbelievable moment. Everything we achieved as a group of players and as a club was amazing. I spent so many good moments there,” he added.
“I think it’s going to be a tough game. Both teams were good last season and have good players. I don’t know how they’re going to play but it’s going to be a tough game.”