‘At least he got the message’ – Man City fans reacts as Riyad Mahrez denies allegations for ‘not passing enough’

Manchester City Fans have been reacting to a post on Twitter, which relays a report that claims Kevin De Bruyne and other players have pulled up Riyad Mahrez for being selfish and dribbling too much.

While the City players have been credited for performing up to expectations in recent games, media reports hint that many players may not be happy with Riyad Mahrez’s playing style at the club.

According to The Athletic’s Manchester City correspondent Sam Lee, there was a confrontation in the dressing room at the London Stadium last weekend, with midfield star Kevin De Bruyne admonishing Riyad Mahrez for ‘not passing enough’. 

The report further suggested that ‘in the weeks beforehand’, Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho had also ‘had a word’ with Mahrez on the same subject – suggesting he ‘holds onto the ball for too long and dribbles too much’.

One such moment occurred during the 88th minute of last weekend’s draw against West Ham, when instead of playing a pass back to his teammates from the byline, the Algerian tried to dribble his way past the defender. Mahrez’s actions eventually led to the ball running out of play, at a time when Man City were looking for a winner in the game.

Another instance discussed by Kevin De Bruyne referenced to the time when Riyad Mahrez chose to take a shot in injury time when he was surrounded by players. The shot ultimately hit the post, with many in the dressing feeling after the game that a cut-back was the better option instead. 

Addressing The Athletic’s claims that he is considered to be selfish by Man City players, Mahrez firmly denied such suggestions that he was on the receiving end of confrontations.

The Algerian responded through his Twitter account in his response to Sam, “Well, I don’t know where you get your sources from, but you should definitely not trust them, Sam.”

Well I don’t know where your sources come from but you should definitely don’t trust them Sam 😂 https://t.co/HGYCJHIVNx

— Riyad Mahrez (@Mahrez22) November 1, 2020

Ever since arriving from Leicester City in 2018, the 29-year-old has notched up 26 goals and registered 29 assists for the Cityzens in 103 appearances. Only Kevin De Bruyne has created more chances from open play and provide more assists for Man City than Riyad Mahrez since the start of last season.

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In reaction to the report shared on Twitter by Man City Xtra, Man City fans have expressed their thoughts and opinions.

At least he got the message.

— God’s workmanship. (@MrNell_D) November 3, 2020

Whether Sam Lee or Mahrez is false I’m just glad we know that he got the message 😂

— Man of City (@170million) November 3, 2020

The story may be bullshit but the sentiment behind it is 💯% true.

— Ken McCarthy (@Carthy9Ken) November 3, 2020

He does hold on to the ball for too long to be fair!

— Rowan Carreira (@CarreiraRowan) November 3, 2020

I dont think the reports are fake, you can clearly see the discomfort the other players have with Mahrez on the pitch, especially from De Bruyne.

— Diego Coronado (@2Ccoronado) November 3, 2020