Pep Guardiola admits being "unfair" to Man City player

Pep Guardiola has issued an apology to Jeremy Doku, admitting he has been “so unfair” to the Manchester City winger amid a recent spell of limited game time.

Doku has been on the fringes in recent weeks, making just one start in City’s last five matches – a home win against Leicester.

His cameo appearance in the weekend clash against Everton marked the third consecutive game in which he came off the bench.

Introduced late in the match with the score still level at 0-0, Doku played a key role in helping City break the deadlock and seal a vital win with two late goals.

Guardiola’s recent tactical adjustments have contributed to Doku’s reduced involvement.

Since the March international break, the City boss has leaned towards a more compact, possession-oriented setup.

Doku has been on the fringes in recent weeks, making just one start in City’s last five matches

The system often sees full-backs operating in wider areas, with the midfield packed with technically adept players, leaving natural wingers like Doku with fewer opportunities.

Savinho has been favoured in wide positions during this period, adding to the Belgian international’s struggle for minutes.

However, Doku’s impactful showing at Goodison Park was impossible to overlook, and Guardiola was quick to praise his contribution post-match.

“I’ve been so unfair with him in the last games, because I remember the games against Spurs away and Brighton, for example,” Guardiola said.

“Without him it would not be possible, but the only reason that they have not played lately is because we didn’t attack in the last games, with wingers – we were more full-backs wide, and more players in the middle like Bournemouth.

“But it’s only my reason. I feel sorry for him and for other ones.”