Pep Guardiola has been suitably impressed with the Frenchman’s work ethic and revealed the centre-half will not be going anywhere in the January transfer window.
The 26-year-old featured in the Carabao Cup against Wolves, replaced the injured against Feyenoord, when he played the full 90 minutes.
Speaking to journalists ahead of the midweek clash with Southampton, Guardiola acknowledged how significant overall attitude is within a squad and feels Mangala has a role to play moving forward.
“I am really impressed with his behaviour in training,” explained the Catalan.
“He didn’t play regularly until now and he always accepted it and always helped us. For a manager, for the Club and for the squad environment, that is so important.
“He has specific qualities and in this league that is so important and we going to use him when we believe we need him.”
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“He pays attention and is always asking what he must try and do as a central defender to improve our game.”
Meanwhile, Pep also expressed his happiness at the calm manner in which his side have approached the final moments of games where they are chasing a victory.
Against Huddersfield, the Blues continued to play possession-based football and did not resort to a more direct style of play.
They were rewarded with Raheem Sterling’s winner and Guardiola is pleased the team are adhering to his principles under the pressure to get three points.
“That’s good because we don’t panic,” he added.
“In the times when that has happened [scored late], it’s because they believe in what we want to do and I’ve said many times it’s happened because of last season’s work.
“Of course, the results help the team to believe a little bit more. Winning games gives us more belief.”
