Al-Ahli and Algerian star Riyad Mahrez - Photo Courtesy Al-Ahli Media.
Al-Ahli Algerian star Riyad Mahrez addressed comparisons to his time at Manchester City, emphasizing the differences in circumstances and his role in the team.
As reported by "Kooora", Mahrez spoke to Qatar’s “Al Kass” network after Al-Ahli’s 2-2 draw against Iran’s Esteghlal in the sixth round of the AFC Champions League group stage and said: "You can't compare my current level to what I was at City. All players here need to perform well. I’m part of a team; I’m not Lionel Messi to dribble past everyone and score alone. If the team plays well, I’ll perform well too."
When asked if he would like Lionel Messi to join Al-Ahli, Mahrez responded with a laugh, offering no further comment.
Reflecting on the game, Mahrez noted: "We didn’t play well today, but it’s tough to face a team that defends in numbers and sticks to a 5-4-1 formation. We didn’t play the way we wanted, but if you can’t win, it’s important not to lose."
Regarding the team’s first non-win in the Asian competition this season, Mahrez added with a smile: "We’ve won five matches and drawn one. That’s a good record, thank God."
Mahrez also clarified why he didn’t take the two penalties awarded to Al-Ahli during the match, saying: "Our striker is great at taking penalties. Sometimes I take them, and sometimes he does. It’s not an issue; it’s not a competition between us."
In 19 appearances across all competitions this season, the Algerian international player has contributed directly to 13 goals, scoring six and providing seven assists.
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