The buoyant nature of Riyad Mahrez, following Manchester City’s cruisy 3-0 victory against a recently problematic Fulham on the weekend, was a picturesque representation of the unity at the Etihad this season.
Mahrez remained on the bench for the 90 minutes against Fulham, alongside recent regulars İlkay Gündoğan, Kevin de Bruyne, Phil Foden and Oleksandr Zinchenko. Usually this would infuriate players at the peak of their game, like a few of those already mentioned, yet they are all understanding of the ‘bigger picture’, the four remaining trophies up for grabs.
Last year, much was made of Mahrez’s unrest after two seasons with City and not much playing time so show for it. There was inconsistent performances that aligned with inconsistent minutes and there was even talk of a potential departure. However, much of that has resided now with the Algerian seemingly enjoying his time under Guardiola. Credit must be given to the winger, who would have seen former teammate Leroy Sané depart to a hefty salary for this exact reason. But exile was the only route for Sané, who is one of very, very few who did not buy in to the mantra.
Pep’s ability to rotate his squad heavily, managing his players fitness in cooperation with the sports science staff, while keeping players happy is one of the many reasons to his success as a manager. Even in a season where City dwelt outside of the top five for much of the first third of the campaign Pep has kept his troops hungry. Scrap that, they are absolutely starving for more.
The Sky Blues remain in contention for four trophies at this point of the season for the second time throughout Pep’s reign, which is his longest tenure at any club as a manager.
The players believe in his philosophy; he has created a project that many have bought into and that is hard to disbelieve. Of course, much is made of the oily source of his fortunes, but this cannot take away from the success he has enjoyed and the silverware he promises to bring. Especially in comparison to other heavily spending clubs.
Liverpool have shown us that ‘whatever goes up, must come down’ this season. While City showed us that much last season to an extent – 81 points and 102 goals in 38 games is an incredible standard of “failure”.
Although, if Pep can continue to mastermind tactics on the field and keep the team as content and as famished as this one, then City and Mahrez will be looking for a spare trophy cabinet in seasons to come.
