"We need him to come back to his best" - Pep Guardiola issues advice for Manchester City star amid lack of form

Pep Guardiola has issued advice to Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez.

The 31 year-old, who signed from Leicester City in 2018, penned a new two-year contract with the Premier League Champions this summer.

Mahrez has played a key role for Pep Guardiola's side, particularly in the UEFA Champions League, where the Algerian has netted 13 goals for the Sky Blues.

The winger was key to City reaching their first Champions League Final in 2021, scoring against both Borussia Dortmund in the Quarter-Finals and both legs of the Semi-Finals against Paris Saint Germain.

Mahrez scored three goals across the tie - once in Paris and twice in the second-leg at the Etihad Stadium.

Riyad Mahrez has scored ten goals and has had 12 assists in the Champions League to date

The Algerian is closing in on his 200th appearance for Manchester City, where he has won eight pieces of silverware, including three Premier League titles.

However, the forward has made just four starts for City so far this season, and has come under criticism for his recent performances.

Mahrez has failed to score in any of his past 13 appearances, with his last City goal coming during the agnonsing 3-1 loss to Real Madrid last season.

Ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash against FC Copenhagen, Pep Guardiola has issued advice for the forward, amid a poor run of form.

"He knows it. I know perfectly Riyad. We need him to come back to his best and when he's the best - personality, ability, quality, his love for this game.

"Step by step he will come back. Now he's not playing much but he has to come back better physical condition.

"The rest I cannot teach him anything - he's too good."

City are looking to make it three wins from three in their Champions League Group on Wednesday, after beating both Sevilla and Borussia Dortmund.

John Stones and Erling Haaland inspired City to come back from 1-0 down to beat the German giants prior to the international break.

The Sky Blues are also the only side in the English top-flight to remain unbeaten so far this season.

City extended their unbeaten start on Sunday, thrashing rivals Manchester United 6-3 in the Premier League.

Boyhood Blues Haaland and Phil Foden both scored hat-tricks, as City moved one point behind league leaders Arsenal.

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Pep Guardiola is expected to make a number of changes for Wednesday's match, so could Mahrez reignite his campaign against the Danish side in midweek?