Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola reckons it is a positive sign his players are ‘angry’ for lack of footballing minutes.
On Saturday, Jeremy Doku scored a goal and supplied four assists in the 6-1 victory over Bournemouth.
In the victory over Manchester United last week, the winger was benched in favor of Jack Grealish. But, when the Cherries came to town, the spots were reversed.
“I want Jack [Grealish] angry and I want him to play good,” Guardiola said as reported by The BBC.
“And then Doku – be angry that he hasn’t played the last two games. This is the way to maintain the consistency at that level.”
Following his £55.4 million summer transfer from Rennes, Belgium international Doku has settled in swiftly for City. Helping them go to the top of the Premier League with their victory on Saturday. Doku has scored three goals in all competitions.
The 21-year-old is competing with England’s Grealish, who has not scored in the league this season, and was not introduced into the game at the weekend, for a regular starting spot in City’s attack.
Guardiola said: “As much as Jeremy and Jack perform, and I can play both at the same time, but when they don’t, train better the next day because the moment is coming, and when you are mentally there in the head you will perform well.
“The way he [Grealish] played at Old Trafford, to give us more composure and more powers in that position, it was decisive for us.
“We need everyone. There are a lot of games and everyone has to compete.
“Then we will win games and you will be happy and everyone will be happy. This is what we have to do.”
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After a treble-winning 2022/23 campaign, City are looking to add more silverware this season. Though, the rigors of last season might take a toll on them, but Guardiola’s side will hope they replicate the form they had last campaign.
The Cityzens are set to host Swiss side, Young Boys in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, after which they visit Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the league before the international break.
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