City 'slump' no surprise to former star Mahrez

Former City star Riyad Mahrez has had his say on the club's poor season - by their standards - last term

- By SIMON BAJKOWSKI @MENSports

RIYAD Mahrez was not surprised by City's slump last season because of what they had already lost when the campaign started.

Pep Guardiola's side had to be content with third place in the Premier League but never really challenged for the title and also suffered their earliest Champions League exit for 13 years.

An injury crisis that robbed them of Rodri for nine months and at least two centre-backs for most of that time saw the champions lose stability and ultimately their crowns and aura as Guardiola endured his first campaign without a trophy (yes, he won the Community Shield) since 2017.

On top of their defensive issues, former City winger Mahrez also saw a lack of output from the forwards that increased the scrutiny on their defence.