Man City: Algeria boss backs disappointed Mahrez after Liverpool omission
Djamel Belmadi says Algerian star Riyadh Mahrez was disappointed not to participate in the Man City game against Liverpool.
Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi believes that Pep Guardiola should have played Riyadh Mahrez in Manchester City's 1-1 Premier League draw with Liverpool last Sunday, noting that the Algerian winger was hugely disappointed not to participate in such a big game.
In statements published on the Algerian Football Federation website on Thursday, Belmadi said: "Mahrez's situation at Man City is not worrying at all, he has played so many games, almost all of them. We were waiting for him to participate in such a big game in England and deliver an impressive performance.
Belmadi: Mahrez has the mentality to get over career difficulties
"Unfortunately this kind of difficulty is part of a football player's career, he has to face such circumstances and remains strong. We shouldn't make a big deal out of it although I know that Riyadh loves football so much," the Algerian coach added.
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Belmadi also mentioned that Algeria's captain is now completely focused on his Algeria duties. "Mahrez has a strong character, he is now focused on the national team as he wants to give his best," he said. "I wish him and his team-mates the best of luck".
Algeria are set to face Zimbabwe on Thursday night in the third round of Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.