Pep Guardiola Reveals Mahrez Will “Take A Break” From Taking Penalties

Pep Guardiola Reveals Mahrez Will “Take A Break” From Taking Penalties

After missing yet another penalty attempt on Tuesday night, Riyad Mahrez will “take a break” from taking penalties, according to Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

Following a missed 12-yard attempt in the match against Copenhagen, Mahrez’s attempt against Borussia Dortmund was stopped by Gregor Kobel in the 0-0 draw.

The winger isn’t the only City player to have missed a penalty in the six years since Guardiola took over.

Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden, and Gabriel Jesus, all of whom have since left the team, were also unsuccessful with penalties last season alone.

Sergio Aguero, Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne missed penalties during 2020/21, with City’s penalty record now standing at 25 misses from 80 attempted under Guardiola, excluding shoot-outs.

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Mahrez’s miss this week, having won the penalty himself, ultimately cost City victory in Dortmund. However, in the end it didn’t matter as a point was still enough to win the group.

“I admire the courage and bravery of the guys who take the penalties,” Guardiola said afterwards.

“I don’t know how many million penalties we’ve missed. We’ve done it in this competition many times,” the City boss added.

“Riyad was exceptional two or three years ago, he shoots the penalty to go 1-1 here [in Dortmund] to help us reach the semi for the first time [in 2021].

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“Lately, he missed. He will reflect. He can take a break now with the penalties.

“He has the mentality to go there and do it. The teams are physically strong and we give advantage to them.

“It happened too many times. It’s many players.”

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