Algerian and Al Ahli Saudi winger Riyad Mahrez disclosed his struggles in an interview after his club’s 5-1 victory in the AFC Champions League last night.
Former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino also registered a brace, and Al-Buraikan scored the fifth goal, ensuring Al Ahli defeated their opponents 5-1 in match four of the AFC Champions League.
The former Manchester City winger scored twice, stating that his celebration wasn’t just because of his goals, as scoring is normal for him. Though, he acknowledged he has been through tough times and is trying his best to return to top form:
“I didn’t celebrate my goals because it’s normal for me to score. I’ve been through some tough times, and that’s normal in a career, but I’m working hard to get back to my best level. I’m doing everything to get back to my level. I’m working hard. People talk a lot about me because I’m not at my level, and they’ll continue to talk when I get back to it. I stay focused, and I work hard.”
“Manchester City is incomparable. The players around me there were the best in the world, and Manchester City is the best team in the world.”
Since leaving Manchester City at the end of the 2022/23 season, the 33-year-old has struggled with form, although he performed remarkably in his first season in the Saudi League, scoring 15 goals and making 16 assists. In the following season, he was still in good form with 12 goals and 14 assists.
This season, his struggles have been apparent, with only one goal in the league after nine games. Prior to last night’s match, he had scored only once in the AFC Champions League and once in the Saudi Super League, with a total of four assists.
