Pep Guardiola has admitted that he has been’very unjust’ to Manchester City star Jeremy Doku despite the winger’s decreased playing time.
Doku, who joined City from Rennes in 2023 for £55 million, has battled to establish himself as a starter throughout the 2024-25 season.
Only 14 of Doku’s 24 league appearances for City have been starts, and he has only appeared in the starting lineup once in his last few games.
Guardiola stated of Doku’s omissions: ‘I’ve been really unjust to Jérémy Doku in recent matches. I remember the away games against Tottenham and Brighton. Without him, these would have been impossible.
‘The main reason Doku hasn’t played recently is that we don’t attack with wingers. We’re utilizing the wide backs and the players inside.
The City manager went on to describe Doku as ‘unstoppable’ when in form, but confessed that in one recent game, the winger was simply ‘not good’ enough.
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‘On Saturday, he got the ball, stretched the defense, and got to the byline. His influence was far better than at Old Trafford (in a 0-0 draw with Manchester United), where he struggled.
Doku has only three goals and four assists in 24 league appearances this season, illustrating his inability to impact the final third. Reported By Daily Mail.
Doku has 12 goals and 18 assists in 74 games for Guardiola’s side.
As things stand, City will need much more from the Belgian international if they are to finish in the top five and, as a result, qualify for the Champions League next season.
Guardiola asked City fans to exhibit unwavering support in Tuesday’s crucial meeting with Aston Villa, despite ongoing fan protests over ticketing concerns.
City fans will continue to demonstrate at the Etihad Stadium against a number of causes, but will do so before the game rather than during the nine-minute boycott against Leicester City.
Guardiola’s team is fourth following three consecutive victories, but a loss to Villa would be a big blow to their Champions League hopes.
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 acknowledged this and are protesting outside the stadium an hour before kickoff.
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