Pep Guardiola gives Riyad Mahrez verdict after rare Man City start

Pep Guardiola was pleased that Riyad Mahrez is getting better but acknowledged that he must still do more after a rare start for Manchester City.

Mahrez top-scored for the Blues last season and signed a new contract in the summer window but has been a peripheral figure this year, not starting a league game before Saturday since being hooked in the comeback win over Crystal Palace in August. After starting in the win over Copenhagen and scoring a penalty, he kept his place in the XI for Southampton with Jack Grealish moving to the bench.

Guardiola had previously said that Mahrez must be in better physical condition, and repeated that after the Southampton game. He also commented on one of the efforts on goal that the Algerian missed against Ralph Hasenhuttl's side that he would usually score on another day.

Despite that, the City boss was pleased to see Mahrez come into more rhythm as he expects to need all of his players for the hectic schedule that the team have between now and the break for the World Cup next month. The more minutes that everyone in the squad can get under the belt, the less chance that injuries will break up the tempo of whoever is on the pitch.

"He's getting better," said Guardiola. "A magnificent goal, he missed one that normally he doesn't miss.

"Step by step he's getting better, he's not his best, but getting better. Training good every day, day in day out, be fit in all his ways, body fat, everything and after he will be back."