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The Algerian international was beaten by the Blues during his descent from Leicester. His talents add to those of an already starred team.
Riyad Mahrez admits that he is still participating in a "learning process" in Manchester City, with the demands of Pep Guardiola and competition within a star-studded team that is forcing him to change his behavior.
The Blues broke their record of transfers to land the Algerian international Leicester in the summer of 2018, with a £ 60 million ($ 78 million) deal put in place.
Guardiola already included Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane and Bernardo Silva among his ranks, but he still felt the need to appeal to another creative midfielder.
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Mahrez was used to operating on the flanks at Leicester, his name being one of the first on the scoresheet after contributing to the success of a remarkable Premier League title in 2015-16.
He did not find the debut as easy to find in City and also had to tweak his game to meet the expectations of a perfectionist coach.
Mahrez told UEFA official site From his experiences at Etihad Stadium: "What I like, is to be free to express myself on the pitch and to move and play.
"It's the most important thing for me. I also like to play center, but I really like to start my movements by the right.
"Things are a bit different with [Guardiola]. He likes us to stay in touch, while I liked to cut in the inside.
"It's different, but you have to adapt. It's a learning process – you learn different things from different coaches because their approaches to the game are not the same. You just have to adapt to that – that's our role. "
Mahrez added his decision to leave King Power Stadium and take up a new challenge in Manchester: "I had seen everything in Leicester. I needed to live something different and progress.
"This club has been perfect for me because the game they play suits me well. I also wanted to work with Pep.
"Our team includes only potential starters. everyone is good enough to play. We have two very good players in each position, so that's great.
"Everyone is challenging and trying to help each other to improve. There is competition between us and I think that's a good thing. "
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These selection battles allowed City to remain on the hunt for a historic quadruple, with Champions League football on the agenda to prepare to face national rivals Tottenham in the quarter-finals.
Mahrez thinks that European glory is now a matter of time for the Blues, stating: "It would be really incredible to win.
"I've always wanted to win this type of competition. If it is not this year, I think it will be next year and we will do everything to try to win it. We will have to beat Tottenham first, and then we'll see.
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