Guardiola admits being 'very unfair' and reveals why dropped 'unstoppable' star

Pep Guardiola has admitted that he's been 'very unfair' on Man City star Jeremy Doku amid the winger's dwindling game time.

Doku, who joined City back in 2023 in a deal worth £55m from Rennes, has struggled to nail down a starting place in the line-up during the 2024-25 campaign.

From his 24 league appearances for City, just 14 of those have come in the form of a start and, in their last few matches, Doku has been in the first XI just once.

Reflecting on Doku's omissions, Guardiola said: 'I've been very unfair to Jérémy Doku in recent matches. I remember the away games against Tottenham and against Brighton. Without him, they would have been impossible.

'The only reason Doku hasn't played lately is because we're not attacking with wingers. We're using the wide backs and the players inside.'

The City boss went on to describe Doku as 'unstoppable' when he's on form but admitted that in one recent match, the winger was simply 'not good' enough.

''Jeremy, in the final metres, is unstoppable, and I'm very happy with the great game he had (in the 2-0 win over Everton),' he explained.

'On Saturday he had the ball, stretched the defence and got to the byline. His impact was much better than at Old Trafford (in the 0-0 win against Manchester United), where he was not good.'

From his 24 league appearances this season, Doku has provided just three goals and four assists - highlighting his struggles to make an impact in the final third.

In total, Doku has provided 12 goals and 18 assists from 74 appearances for Guardiola's side.

As it stands, City need much more from the Belgian international as they look to seal a top five finish and, in turn, clinch a place in the Champions League next season.

This week, Guardiola urged City supporters to show unrelenting backing in Tuesday’s crunch clash with Aston Villa amid continued fan protests over ticketing issues.

City fan groups will continue demonstrations against a variety of issues at the Etihad Stadium but have chosen to organise those for pre-match rather than repeat the nine-minute boycott during the victory over Leicester City.

Guardiola’s side are fourth after consecutive wins but defeat by Villa would serve as a significant blow to their Champions League aspirations.

Five teams – Newcastle United, City, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Unai Emery’s Villa – are separated by two points in the battle for three spots. City fans have recognised that and are protesting outside the stadium an hour before kick-off.

City have frozen season ticket and general admission prices for the first time in a decade but have since announced stricter parameters on attendance to maintain a season ticket for future campaigns – something former player Esme Morgan has publicly criticised. Matchday tickets for the Villa match start at £71.

‘It’s a final and we need our people,’ Guardiola said. ‘I think our people want the Champions League again next season. Hopefully they can help us from minute one. Don’t wait'.