Riyad Mahrez misses Man City trip but Claude Puel hopes he ‘gets his head right’
Claude Puel is hoping “magnificent” Leicester winger Riyad Mahrez “gets his head right” and returns to his squad. Algeria international Mahrez, 26, has not played for the club since a January move to Manchester City fell through.
The 2016 PFA Player of the Year had handed in a transfer request, and on Thursday Foxes boss Puel confirmed he would not be in Saturday’s Premier League squad to play at leaders City.
“I think it is important to look forward,” Frenchman Puel said.
“Riyad is a magnificent player and he loves football. He loves his relationship with his friends and team-mates,” he added.
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“I think it is important in this difficult time to keep all players, and club, united, to continue the hard work on the pitch. The best way is to come back and enjoy his football.
“I hope Riyad can get his head right and comes back with us.”
Mahrez joined Leicester from French club Le Havre for a reported £400,000 in January 2014.
He has scored 35 goals and contributed 24 assists in 127 top-flight appearances and was named PFA Players’ Player of the Year as the Foxes won the Premier League in 2016. BBC
