Since joining City from Leicester in the summer of 2018, the Algerian winger has been one of the mainstays in our superb record of success.
A pivotal figure in last term’s Premier League and Carabao Cup winning campaign, if anything Mahrez has kicked on again this term, amassing 21 goals to date to help City lead the way in the Premier League and reach the last eight of both the Champions League and FA Cup.
And, speaking ahead of Monday night’s important league trip to Crystal Palace, Mahrez described how our Catalan boss had helped him develop even more attacking elements to his game.
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“I think I have grown as a player a lot and as a person as well (but) I always think I need to add things to my game,” Mahrez reflected.
“Pep worked with me a lot as well to do this, to improve more in my runs, to be more in the box and to be where you can score goals.
“Attacking players, [Pep] always gives us the freedom in the last 30 metres. You can do whatever you want.
“He obviously gives you the information of where he thinks the spaces are but at the end it is about you.
“The pitch belongs to us and he will never stop you from dribbling or anything else.
“I have achieved more and have proved a lot.”
That positive approach has again paid handsome dividends this season with Mahrez already having amassed 21 goals in all competitions this season to currently stand as City’s leading scorer.
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However, rather than being deflected by his own personal tally, the Algerian skipper insisted his focus was solely about seeking to help the Club secure more silverware rather than chasing individual plaudits.
“In my head I always try to get close to 20 goals, so I am one up!” Mahrez added.
“The most important thing for me is if the team wins and the team plays good.
“Even if we win everything at the end of the season and I stay on 21 goals I would be happy.
“Above everything I just want to win and want to achieve things with the team.”
Under the tutelage of former City midfielder and EDS boss Patrick Vieira, Crystal Palace have garnered widespread praise for their positive approach and impact this season.
The Eagles demonstrated their quality when securing a 2-0 win at the Etihad in our league meeting back in October.
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Mahrez is fully expecting another fiercely demanding test in south London.
But with second placed Liverpool having reduced the gap at the top of the Premier League to just three points after beating Brighton on Saturday, he knows how important the trip to Selhurst Park will be.
“It will be tough like every game. We don’t think like it will be tougher anywhere else,” Mahrez added.
“We are going to go there and try to win the game. It is as simple as that.
“We just do it game by game. That is the best thing we can do. We just have to play.
“We have to play Palace first and try to give everything to try to win. Then it is the next one, that is the most important thing.
“If they play before or after us, we will have to win the game. The best team will win.
“The most consistent and regular team will win.”
